A new implant has shown promise in providing relief to individuals suffering from severe acid reflux, according to a recent report by BBC South. Danielle Harding, a 30-year-old woman who struggled with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), described the implant as "amazing" and "life changing." The implant, a silicone ball inserted into the upper stomach wall, has already shown positive results in early trials.
GORD occurs when stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, and more. Current treatments for GORD include drug therapy and surgical procedures, but the RefluxStop implant offers a new alternative that has shown to be effective in relieving symptoms.
The implant, smaller than a ping pong ball, is made of medical-grade silicone and is fixed to the upper part of the stomach wall to block movement of the lower oesophageal sphincter. Early data from the procedure has shown promising results with fewer side effects compared to other treatments.
Oesophagogastric surgeon Fergus Noble, who carried out the operation at University Hospital Southampton, expressed optimism about the implant's potential. Patients who received the surgery reported almost immediate improvement in their symptoms, with expectations that the non-active implant will last a lifetime.
Ms. Harding, one of the early recipients of the implant, shared her positive experience, stating that she no longer experiences acid reflux or heartburn and can now eat without pain. The success of the early implants in Southampton and Imperial College London has raised hopes for a wider rollout of the implant to other NHS trusts in the future.
Overall, the new implant offers a promising alternative for individuals suffering from severe acid reflux, with early results showing significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life for patients like Danielle Harding.