New Cambridge Reflux Service brings long-lasting relief
Sponsored feature | Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital
Chronic reflux is said to be the most common digestive health condition in the UK, and with almost one in five people suffering symptoms on a daily basis, it significantly affects the quality of life and everyday activities for many.
Leading the way with advanced healthcare, Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital launches a new private clinic led by three prominent consultants to deliver a patient-centred approach focused on the exclusive treatment and care for this important issue.
Expertly developed to help patients suffering with acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which stomach acids surge upwards into the oesophagus, Cambridge Reflux Service offers the unrivalled expertise of Dr Gareth Corbett, Mr Andrew Hindmarsh and Mr Vijay Sujendran, pictured below.
Together they provide comprehensive assessments with specialist advice and best medical options across all aspects of this condition, with the latest treatments only available at Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital and first for the East of England.
We ask the experts one key question...
I’ve been suffering from acid reflux for some time and it is affecting my daily life, what can I do to help my ongoing problems and what options are there for advanced reflux tests and treatments?
For patients with chronic acid reflux, which is not responding to treatments such as Gaviscon or omeprazole, it may be necessary to undertake further investigations to see if other treatments can be offered. The first investigation is always going to be an endoscopy, also known as gastroscopy or OGD. This will determine if there are any physical problems causing the reflux symptoms, or any consequences of the reflux.
This may include a hiatus hernia, reflux related burning in the oesophagus, Barrett’s oesophagus or even narrowing within the oesophagus due to the acid. Following an endoscopy we may arrange a test called oesophageal physiology. This involves measuring both the function of oesophagus, by checking the way the muscles respond to swallowing both liquids and solids, and also how often acid reflux occurs. These are both carried out by placing a thin probe via the nose into the oesophagus and taking measurements. The acid reflux part of this test usually involves having the probe in for 24 hours. There is an alternative to this where a small capsule can be placed that measures acid in the oesophagus.
Once a confirmed diagnosis of acid reflux, which is not responsive to medicines is made, we can consider whether further treatments could be offered. The options available at Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital for this are an operation called a Nissen fundoplication and Stretta radiofrequency treatment.
The Nissen fundoplication involves wrapping the top of the stomach around on itself to tighten the valve at the bottom of the oesophagus to prevent reflux from occurring. The Stretta procedure is delivered via the mouth while under anaesthetic and provides gentle heating of the muscle at the lower part of the oesophagus to cause the muscle to become stronger and thereby prevent reflux. Both of these procedures need careful consideration and discussion with a patient before pursuing either of them.
If you have acid reflux symptoms that are interfering with your quality of life you should consider having a consultation with one of the team of consultants at the Nuffield to assess your symptoms and offer you a personalised treatment plan.
Cambridge Reflux Service is available at Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital, 4 Trumpington Road, Cambridge CB2 8AF. For more information, call 01223 370922 or visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/cambridge.
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