Imperial in the news: pioneering oesophageal treatment

Invasive surgery could be a thing of the past for patients with GORD

Dr Chris Fraser [Medicine], who works at St Mark’s hospital in Harrow, has pioneered a new treatment for people affected by gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), which in time can lead to conditions ranging from heartburn to cancer if left untreated. As an alternative to the more invasive surgery that is the standard treatment for severe conditions, a procedure called Stretta strengthens the muscles at the bottom of the oesophagus to prevent stomach acid from rising. 85 per cent of patients are off of medication within four years of this treatment.

Featured in the Daily Mail is the story of Jeff Sandford, who was badly affected by GORD. He no longer wished to take medication that was only masking the health issue rather than seeking to cure it, and in researching treatments came across Dr Fraser’s work. He had an operation in the summer and has seen noticeable improvements in his quality of life.

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