Relief for thousands with tummy troubles
Valley physicians spreading the word about a new incision-free treatment for acid reflux
PHOENIX (April 4, 2011) – It could mean big relief for thousands of Arizonans who are tired of taking pills for acid reflux. Banner Estrella Medical Center general surgeon Jon King, MD, and gastroenterologist Hector Rodriguez-Luna, MD, want to share the news about a new incision-free procedure to treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
GERD is a very common chronic condition where food or liquid in the stomach backs up into the esophagus causing irritation and other symptoms, including heartburn. More than 60 million Americans experience symptoms of GERD a minimum of once a month. Until now, acid reflux had been treated with a lifelong drug therapy.
The seminar is scheduled from 7-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 21 in Conference Center Rooms 1 and 2 at Banner Estrella Medical Center, 9201 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix. The event is free, but registration is required. Reserve your seat by calling (602) 230-CARE (2273) by April 15. Light refreshments will be served.
During the seminar, Drs. King and Rodriguez-Luna will discuss an alternative to treat GERD called transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF). The procedure is performed using a piece of equipment that allows surgeons to avoid incisions and provide treatment by reaching the area through the mouth.
Drs. King and Rodriguez-Luna are among the first the West Valley to be trained on the TIF procedure. “The TIF procedure can significantly improve the quality of life for our patients,” said Dr. King. “For those patients diagnosed with GERD and not fully satisfied with their treatment options, the TIF procedure is an excellent, incisionless alternative.”
Editor’s note: General surgeon Dr. Jon King is available for interviews. Images illustrating the procedure as well as head shots of the physicians are available upon request. Please contact Public Relations to coordinate.
About Banner Estrella Medical Center
Located on the southeast corner of the Loop 101 Freeway and Thomas Road, Banner Estrella Medical Center is a 214-bed full-service, non-profit hospital offering general surgery, orthopedics, women and infants services, a full cardiac program with open-heart surgery, emergency services, and medical imaging services. Banner Estrella is part of Banner Health, the leading provider of health care services in the Valley with 11 hospitals. In 2010, Thomson Reuters named Banner Health one of the Top Ten Hospital Systems in the U.S.
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Contact:
Tiffany Abbott
Public Relations
(623) 327-7168
