Chronic heartburn help

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Acid Reflux, or Chronic Heartburn, is a disorder that affects about 60 million Americans.  Now there's a procedure being offered in Grand Rapids to help patients without having to undergo major surgery.  Dr. David Scheeres is the only doctor in Grand Rapids performing this procedure.  He's with the Spectrum Health Medical Group and he joins us today to explain what it is and how it can help those with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.  The TIF procedure is based on established principles of surgical repair of the anti-reflux barrier where the esophagus joins the stomach, called the esophageal sphincter. The TIF procedure repairs the valve, restoring the natural, physiological anatomy to prevent gastroesophageal reflux.  Because the procedure is incisionless, there is reduced pain, shorter recovery and no scars.  The risk of complications, while present, is lower than that of laparoscopic or open surgery for reflux.  The ideal candidates for TIF are patients with chronic GERD who have an initial response to PPI medication, yet still have persistent troublesome symptoms. David Scheeres, MD, is a board certified surgeon with Spectrum Health Medical Group and the first surgeon in Grand Rapids to perform this TIF procedure. He's also an associate professor of surgery at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in Grand Rapids.

Living Well:
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Chronic heartburn help
David Scheeres, MD
Spectrum Health Medical Group
3230 Eagle Park Drive NE, Suite 210
Grand Rapids
616.486.8613
shmg.org