Study: New way to zap GERD without drugs

BOSTON, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- A procedure called Plicator treats gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) without the need for antacid drugs, say U.S. researchers.

Most patients who underwent the procedure had complete relief of GERD symptoms without the need for prescription proton pump inhibitors and "only rare use" of antacid medications, said researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

The procedure known as endoscopic plication uses a device called the Plicator to restore the anti-reflux barrier, a fold over the top part of the stomach that acts to prevent acid and other stomach contents from going up into the esophagus.

Of 29 patients with chronic heartburn who had the procedure, then were followed up at 12 months and 36 months post-treatment, more than half remained off their daily medications at 36 months, and 50 percent were able to stop medication completely, the researchers said.

The study results appear in the online edition of the journal Surgical Endoscopy.