Medslant Acid Reflux Newsletter

New Study Finds Nonsurgical Therapies Work For Acid Reflux

Most people who suffer from GERD can find relief by making some lifestyle changes and taking proton pump inhibitors, i.e. Nexium, Prilosec, Protonix, Prevacid etc. But for those patients who aren't helped, there used to be few options other than surgery. A new study published in the Archives of Surgery found two rarely performed procedures that were helpful. The two procedures are called full-thickness pilcation which uses the endoscope to tighten the junction between the esophagus and the stomach, and radiofrequency therapy which uses heat to improve the function of the valve between the esophagus and the stomach. If these non surgical procedures do not work, they do not preclude later surgery.

Two of the study authors are Louis Jeansonne IV, M.D. of Ochsner Medical Center, Baton Rouge, LA, a board certified surgeon who completed a fellowship in laparoscopic surgery, and Edward Lin D.O. of Emory University Medical School in Atlanta, GA, Director of the Emory Endosurgery Unit for Minimally Invasive Surgery. Dr. Jeansonne believes that medication is still the first step but that one of these therapies may be a viable option for patients not helped by meds who either don't want or can't have surgery. Dr. Lin agrees that it is good to be able to offer less invasive alternatives. Dr. Lin added that the non surgical treatments may be uncommon in part because health insurance typically does not pay for them.

Please be sure to consult your physician or other health care professional if you think one of these procedures may be an option for you. New Clinical Trial

A new clinical trial studying Barrett's Esophagus and GERD looks at the long term efficacy of evidence based diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. The study is recruiting. For more information on the study please go to www.clinicaltrials.gov and enter NCT00513331 in the study number search box

Osteoporosis Drug Risk

Last month the FDA division of drug risk assessment said researchers need to check into potential links between so-called bisphosphonate drugs and esophageal tumors. Examples of these drugs are Fosamax, Atonel, and Boniva. Esophagitis, an inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, is already known to be a side effect of the drugs. This is the reason patients are instructed to remain upright for at least an hour after taking the drugs. If you are taking one of these drugs to treat bone-weakening osteoporosis, please make sure that the prescribing physician is aware that you have GERD.

Replacing Your Pillow

We frequently get calls from happy MedSlant owners asking how often they should replace their MedSlant. We've been in business nine years and many people have been using their pillow that long. The answer is that if it is still working for you, great. Some people tell us that they replace their personal pillow yearly and wish to replace their MedSlant that often. A recent poll about sleep habits asked people how often they replaced their pillow. I did not find the results surprising.

* Twice a year: 8% * Once a year: 10% * Once a decade: 17% * Once every 2 years: 25% * And the most common answer at 40% - You're supposed to replace your pillow?

Please keep the phone calls and emails coming to 1.800.346.1850 and customerservice@medslant.com. I love hearing from you.



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