Al-Ahli Hospital’s Surgical team, led by Dr. Abdul Azim Abdul Wahab Hussain (Medical Director and Head of Surgery Department), performed the latest incisionless technique for curing Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), commonly known as Heartburn.  This is the first time this procedure has ever been performed in Qatar.

 

Dr. Abdul Azim Hussain stated, “GERD is a very common disease, especially in the Middle East where our eating habits, lifestyle, and obesity are major factors for its increase in today’s society.  50% of the Guests who visit the Gastroenterology Clinic suffer from some degree of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease.  In some cases Heartburn is short lived and usually minimal, but for some, the reflux is severe and chronic.  Whilst the lining in the stomach can resist strong acids, the esophagus cannot resist caustic effects of the Gastric juices, which lead to annoying symptoms like heartburn and chest pain.”

 

“GERD can be treated conservatively by suggesting lifestyle changes and drug therapy.  Guests are advised to avoid heavy meals, carbohydrates, and fatty foods.  However, when these conservative methods fail to treat the problem of GERD, one has to seek surgical intervention.  Wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the lower part of the esophagus, to strengthen the esophageal sphincter in addition to repairing the hiatial hernia, is usually done through key-hole surgery.  Now this latest technique introduced as EsophyX operation or endoscopic placation of the lower esophageal sphincter, creates a valve just like the mechanism in a normal person and is done with the help of an endoscope that is introduced through the mouth.  It does not need any incision on the surface of the body,” he added.

 

Dr. Harald Rosen, Visiting General and Laparoscopic Surgeon from Austria, stated “We have completed two cases and the results are very encouraging.  This procedure gives immediate and long-term relief from the symptoms of GERD.  The healing process is faster and 79% of cases will not need any medical treatment within two years of the operation.  This procedure also cures 85% of the symptoms in Guests.  We now have several cases lined up as most of the Guests who suffer from this disease would like to avoid the surgical option.”

 

Commenting on the successful procedure, Mr. Abdulwahed Abdulla Al-Mawlawi, Managing Director and CEO of Medicare Group and Al-Ahli Hospital stated “We at Al-Ahli Hospital strive to bring the latest innovations in healthcare to the Residents of Qatar.  It is my belief that we must explore all options to minimize the pain and suffering of our Guests.  The success of the EsophyX procedure is a step in the right direction and we hope to have many more groundbreaking techniques available to our Guests in the future.  I congratulate Dr. Abdul Azim Hussain and his team for not only performing this new procedure but also for alleviating the suffering of our Guests.”