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Is There a Way to Tell If I Have Silent Reflux Disease?
Feb 14, 2020
Reflux can be a silent killer. Silent reflux, or laryngopharyngeal reflux, is a condition where the stomach acid backflows into the chest and throat. If you’ve ever felt tightness in your chest, throat, or vocal chords after eating,...
Does My Diet Have an Effect on My GERD?
May 17, 2019
Heartburn is one of the more common symptoms associated with GERD. When it comes to heartburn, a lot of people believe that a main cause of their symptoms is the food they eat. They may tend to avoid certain ingredients or dishes that have triggered...
Dr. Bell Discusses Treating Regurgitation in GERD on Podcasts360
Nov 12, 2018
Being able to get your information directly from the experts is a great thing, especially when it comes to information about your health. Hearing an expert explain things makes them easier to digest and understand, and you’re able to feel confident...
The Link Between PPI Use and Cardiovascular Morbidity
Sep 20, 2018
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have long been the go-to treatment for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, recent studies have shown that though PPIs can provide relief from the issues produced by GERD, long-time PPI use can lead...
Barrett’s esophagus resolves after LINX procedure
Aug 31, 2018
New information revealed at the 2018 World Congress of Endoscopic Surgery offers exciting news for those suffering from Barrett’s esophagus. Results from a recent study have found that lower-esophageal sphincter (LES) augmentation offer...
Recent Findings Establish a More Concrete Link Between PPI Usage and Kidney Disease
Mar 15, 2018
For some time, evidence has been mounting that has linked the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) with the development of chronic kidney disease. Despite this evidence, additional research was still needed to establish a more concrete link between...
Our Esophageal Motility Center Is Now Certified by the American Neurogastroenterology...
Feb 20, 2018
There are some things in life that we take for granted because they seem like they will never cause a problem. The ability to swallow normally is an excellent example of this. When we eat, we expect our body to easily swallow our food,...
The Long-Term Health Problems Associated with PPI Use
Jan 16, 2018
The best treatments are the ones that address the source of the issue, not just the symptoms produced by the issue. In people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the source of the issue is a faulty valve that allows the fluid...
Your Surgical Options for Managing Achalasia
Jan 04, 2018
Achalasia is is a lifelong esophageal disorder that occurs when nerve fibers within the esophagus become destroyed. This can result in two issues: The damaged nerve fibers prevent the esophagus from being able to push and pass food down into the stomach.
Why Choose Institute of Esophageal and Reflux Surgery?
Dec 19, 2017
Choosing the right doctor to treat your medical needs can be an incredibly difficult task. There are so many logistical and personal factors that need to be accounted for, and there are often many viable options available; it can make the entire process...
Treating Barrett’s Esophagus with Radiofrequency Ablation
Nov 15, 2017
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that occurs in patients who have suffered from long-standing reflux. The body naturally tries to protect the junction between the stomach and esophagus that is being damaged by the acid rising from the stomach.
Long-Term PPI Use Linked to Increased Risk of Stroke and Heart Attack
Oct 30, 2017
Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a type of drug which has the primary function of reducing the production of gastric acid in the body. For decades, PPIs have been used to address a number of issues, such as peptic ulcers,...
Stretta: A Minimally Invasive and Effective Treatment for Managing the Symptoms of GERD
Aug 31, 2017
For many people, medications for chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) either do not provide the relief they need or are an insufficient option for long-term treatment. For those who do not have adequate relief from medications, or want...
Recent Breakthroughs in the Effective Treatment of Barrett’s Esophagus
Aug 10, 2017
A new article in the The American Journal of Gastroenterology has shown that Barrett’s esophagus can be effectively treated with fantastic results. The study was done in order to understand how effective endoscopic eradication therapy (EET)...
Why Acid Reflux Medications Do Not Provide You with the Care You Need
Aug 03, 2017
At Center for Esophageal Wellness, we provide thorough and accurate diagnostic testing and surgical treatments for foregut issues. We aim to help as many individuals as we can to manage their foregut issues so that they can live normal and...
What Is the Likelihood of Needing a Reoperation After My Reflux Surgery?
Jul 20, 2017
When reflux surgery is performed by a surgeon who specializes in surgery on the esophagus, it is long-lasting with excellent outcomes; it is 90% successful at 10 years. For the procedure, it is important to seek out an expert with a lot of experience.
New Data Predicts Significant Changes in the Rates of Esophageal Cancers
Jul 10, 2017
In order to develop a better understanding of how to treat esophageal cancer, a large amount of research that spans over the course of decades must be conducted. Accurate and comprehensive data can only be collected by studying cases of...
Barrett’s Esophagus – Understanding Dysplasia and Your Risk of Developing Esophageal Cancer
Jun 12, 2017
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition where you have normal cells in an abnormal place. When you have reflux for a long time, the cells in the lining of the esophagus start to turn into cells from the stomach. This is a way to protect the esophagus from...
More evidence that PPIs may increase risk for heart disease
Apr 21, 2017
There has been a lot of news regarding the long term risk of reflux medications lately. These risks include dementia, kidney disease, osteoporosis, colon infections, lung infections….. There is another risk associated with taking reflux medications...
A New Approach for Treating GERD and Heartburn
Apr 07, 2017
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux, and heartburn are two very common issues that affect the live of countless people on a daily basis. Treatments for these issues are seeing advancements thanks to the invention...
Gaining a Comprehensive Understanding of the Extent of Your Gastric Reflux
Feb 17, 2017
In order to provide our patients with the best possible gastric reflux treatments we can, we need a comprehensive evaluation of your condition and symptoms. There are a few tests that need to be done to ensure GERD is the proper diagnosis.
Don’t Ignore That Persistent Sore Throat
Feb 02, 2017
When you have a small but persistent symptom like a sore or irritated throat, it can be easy to ignore by thinking it will go away in a few days or that it is just a little cough and nothing serious. However, these small symptoms can be a sign of...
How Barrett’s Esophagus Increases Your Risk of Esophageal Cancer
Jan 05, 2017
There are many factors that can increase your risk of esophageal cancer. Preexisting abnormalities and conditions can predispose a person to esophageal cancer. Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that must be treated before it increases your risk of cancer.
What Are the Symptoms of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)?
Dec 02, 2016
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as acid reflux disease, occurs when an excess of stomach juice in the body rises up through the esophagus. Acid reflux can cause a number of issues that severely affect your quality of life.
Cine Esophagram – Evaluating Esophagus and Stomach Problems Through Video
Nov 02, 2016
When a barium swallow is required to diagnose a problem, a video-recorded X-ray can be used to get a better view and understanding of the issue. This is known as a cine esophagram. The patient is given barium to swallow, followed by a pill.
LESS GERD Clinical Study of the EndoStim System
Aug 16, 2016
Institute of Esophageal and Reflux Surgery is participating in the LESS GERD clinical study of the EndoStim system. The LESS GERD study is being conducted at multiple sites across the U.S. to evaluate the effect of the EndoStim system on reflux patients...
Blue Cross Blue Shield Now Covers the LINX Procedure!
May 11, 2016
Exciting news for reflux surgery candidates! The LINX Reflux Management System is now covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. LINX is offered as an alternative to surgical fundoplication for the treatment...
Clinical Trials May Provide Access to New Technology for Treating GERD
Apr 25, 2016
There have been recent advances in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The FDA has approved Stretta, EsophyX, and the LINX Reflux Management System to address the leaky valve that causes reflux, or the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
Why Surgery Is the Right Choice for Acid Reflux Treatment
Apr 21, 2016
If you have been diagnosed with acid reflux, you have probably tried reflux medications, such as Prilosec OTC or a prescription medication like Nexium, to help with your symptoms. The reason these medications relieve symptoms for some patients...
New Study: PPI Drugs for GERD Can Increase Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease
Jan 21, 2016
Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, are a category of medications used to treat the symptoms of acid reflux disease (also known as GERD). Two of the most popular drugs available over-the-counter to treat reflux – Prilosec OTC and Nexium – are PPIs.
Patient Testimonial: LINX Reflux Management System
Dec 29, 2015
Dear Dr. Bell, I want to let you know your service and staff have treated me better than any office I have ever been affiliated with. The staff was extraordinary in explaining the procedure and worked hard to assure everything was as perfect as could be.
GERD and Barrett’s esophagus have made my quality of life awful – I really want a cure!
Dec 17, 2015
Many adults either ignore their acid reflux symptoms or simply treat them with daily medications, allowing for the potential of disease progression. Although complications such as Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer only impact...
When the Doctor Becomes the Patient
Dec 16, 2015
I am a surgeon who operates on patients to treat their GERD, and I am also a patient who has suffered from GERD for a number of years. With over 20 years in practice as a Board Certified General Surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons,...
What to Expect Before and After Reflux Surgery
Dec 14, 2015
Before Surgery: Prior to surgery, most patients will be placed on a liquid diet for 7-10 days. This diet helps deplete the glycogen stores in the liver, making the liver shrink and become less fragile. This is helpful in surgery as we have to lift up...
Important Things to Know Before Your Reflux Surgery
Dec 11, 2015
If you have surgery on your knee, it is possible that you would need another procedure down the road as you get older. The same is true for reflux surgery. Surgery for reflux is a reconstructive procedure. We take tissue that has already failed once...
Institute of Esophageal and Reflux Surgery End-of-Summer Updates
Aug 31, 2015
As summer is winding down, we have a lot of exciting updates for you: CALIBER study: This is a randomized controlled trial that is sponsored by Torax, the maker of LINX. We were the first practice in the country to enroll patients in this study.
LINX Reflux Management System for GERD Treatment
Jul 23, 2015
Reflux results from a weak valve between the esophagus and stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter). The gold standard surgery to fix this valve is the Nissen fundoplication. This surgery has been performed for over 50 years and works very well...
Reflux Medication (PPIs) Increases the Risk of Heart Attack
Jun 29, 2015
After reviewing the records of 2.9 million patients, researchers found that people who take proton pump inhibitors (Nexium, Prilosec, Protonix, Dexilant, etc) are 16-21% more likely to suffer from a myocardial infarction (a heart attack).
Institute of Esophageal and Reflux Surgery Office Updates
Jun 29, 2015
Welcome back, Natalie: We are happy to welcome Natalie back for the summer. Natalie’s a college student and is interested in going to school to be a physician assistant (PA). She has worked with us while on her breaks from school for 3 years now.
Week 3 After the LINX Procedure and Still No Reflux
Apr 17, 2015
Things are going well for Dr Bell at week 3 after his LINX surgery. No reflux, no regurgitation. He still has to take small bites and chew well, but can eat anything he wants. He will occasionally have soda water as he finds this helps push things down.
2 Weeks After LINX Surgery and Dr Bell is Going On a Bike Ride
Apr 11, 2015
Overall things are going well after Dr. Bell’s LINX surgery for reflux. Has been back to work for 10 days, energy level good- even up for a bike ride. He will need a little time to build up stamina, however, he is looking forward to biking...
Dr Bell’s Before and After LINX Surgery Pictures
Apr 03, 2015
Here are the pictures of before the LINX was placed, and after the LINX was placed for Dr Bell. Update: He had chicken pot pie with toasted bread tonight for dinner. Still small bites and chewing well, but no problems swallowing and NO reflux!
April is Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month
Mar 13, 2015
Esophageal cancer is a devastating disease with an 80% 5-year mortality. The incidence of esophageal cancer has increased over 600% in the past 25 years, and shows no signs of slowing. Patients with Barrett’s esophagus have a risk of developing...
September is Barrett’s Esophagus Month at Institute of Esophageal and Reflux Surgery
Sep 05, 2014
The physicians at Institute of Esophageal and Reflux Surgery often treat a condition called Barrett’s Esophagus. Many patients have questions about this complex condition. During September we are going to discuss Barrett’s Esophagus as a disease and...
Chronic Cough, Heartburn & Regurgitation Surgical Success Story
Jul 10, 2014
This is Barbara’s surgical story with Dr. Bell at Institute of Esophageal and Reflux Surgery. Barbara first came to Institute of Esophageal and Reflux Surgery because of an unrelenting cough. This cough was chronic and happened day and night.