Acid reflux is a problem that stays with someone for life. It's caused by a weak lower esophageal sphincter and allows fluids to rise from the stomach into the esophagus which cause corrosive damage because of the acid content.

The most common symptom of acid reflux is the agony of heartburn, but there are other health risks associated with it such as Barrett's esophagus, erosive esophagitis and esophageal cancer.

But all of that may change. There is a new surgical procedure that is finding its way into clinics across the nation which may help to snuff out acid reflux for those who undergo the surgery. Known as the Plicator procedure, this treatment option requires a mere twenty minutes and is an outpatient procedure. Does it sound too good to be true? Heres a simple explanation of what exactly happens when one undergoes a Plicator procedure.

- The Plicator, a small electronic device, is place on the end of an endoscopy tube. Endoscopies are procedures wherein a tube gets lowered into the digestive tract through the mouth while the patient is sedated, but conscious.

- Once the Plicator reaches the stomach, it is used to grab the tissue located between the stomach and the esophagus. It then closes its "arms", crimping the tissue. A suture is placed to hold the tissue in place.

- As a result, the area between the stomach and the esophagus now has a much tighter opening. This can aid the lower esophageal sphincter in being able to successfully open and close the passageway between the stomach and the esophagus.

Those who undergo this procedure usually don't experience any unwanted side effects, and are often back to their normal activities the following day. Several studies have been done to measure the effectiveness of the procedure for eliminating heartburn.

These studies showed that prescription heartburn medications could be eliminated in 70% of the patients who had the procedure done. Plus, 80% of the patients who had the procedure done showed improvements in their reflux symptoms afterwards.

The effects of the surgery are seen very quickly. Within several days following the procedure, most people were able to decrease their heartburn medication. Sore throats and abdominal pain occurred in some patients, but only lasted for a few days. If this sounds like a procedure that would help you with your acid reflux, talk to your doctor about it and get their informed advice.

Those with acid reflux know that the problem is one that will stay with them for life. Caused by a lack of strength of the lower esophageal sphincter, acid reflux causes harmful fluids to rise from the stomach into the esophagus, causing corrosive damage due to the stomach acid found in the liquid.

The most common symptom of acid reflux is the agony of heartburn, but there are other health risks associated with it such as Barrett's esophagus, erosive esophagitis and esophageal cancer.

But all of that may change. There is a new surgical procedure that is finding its way into clinics across the nation which may help to snuff out acid reflux for those who undergo the surgery. Known as the Plicator procedure, this treatment option requires a mere twenty minutes and is an outpatient procedure. Does it sound too good to be true? Heres a simple explanation of what exactly happens when one undergoes a Plicator procedure.

- The Plicator, which is a small electronic device, is placed on the end of an endoscopy tube. Endoscopies are a simple procedure performed by doctors in which a tube is lowered into the digestive tract via the mouth while the patient is in a state of conscious sedation.

- The Plicator travels through the digestive tract until it reaches the stomach. Once the Plicator is firmly in place in the stomach, it is maneuvered so that it can grab the tissue that is located in between the stomach and the esophagus. The Plicator then closes its arms, causing it to crimp the tissue. A single suture is placed to secure the fold that was made by the Plicator.

- This results in a tighter opening between the stomach and esophagus, helping the lower esophageal sphincter to maintain the passageway more easily.

Thats all there is to it! People who undergo the procedure generally experience no ill effects, and can often return to regular levels of activity the following day. Research studies were conducted at several institutes to help determine the efficiency of the procedure when it comes to relieving heartburn.

These studies showed that prescription heartburn medications could be eliminated in 70% of the patients who had the procedure done. Plus, 80% of the patients who had the procedure done showed improvements in their reflux symptoms afterwards.

The effects of the surgery are seen very quickly. Within several days following the procedure, most people were able to decrease their heartburn medication. Sore throats and abdominal pain occurred in some patients, but only lasted for a few days. If this sounds like a procedure that would help you with your acid reflux, talk to your doctor about it and get their informed advice.