Stop the Burn: Advanced GERD Treatments from Mesa’s Top Gastroenterologists

Do you live with a constant, painful burn in your chest? If daily antacids no longer stop your acid reflux, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.

At Desert Valley Gastroenterology in Mesa, Arizona, we help patients find lasting relief from chronic reflux. Our team specializes in advanced, patient-driven care. We work with you to understand your symptoms and build a personalized treatment plan to stop the burn.

Why does chronic heartburn require specialized testing?

Our gastroenterologists don’t recommend treatments based on symptoms alone. For patients whose symptoms do not respond to antacids, the American College of Gastroenterology recommends objective testing before starting advanced therapies.

At Desert Valley Gastroenterology, we perform specific tests that reveal the extent of the damage in your esophagus and guide effective treatment. This testing includes an endoscopy and esophageal manometry.

You might have trouble saying “esophagogastroduodenoscopy” — it’s an EGD — but we use it regularly at our Mesa office to safely examine your digestive tract and even administer treatment.  

For example, an EGD can prove that a physical valve failure is causing your reflux. It also ensures that your esophagus is strong enough for a procedure. 

What are the advanced treatment options for GERD?

For patients with confirmed reflux, we provide comprehensive GERD management tailored to your needs. Treatment typically begins with steps like lifestyle modifications and prescription medication management to control acid production and reduce symptoms.

When nonsurgical options aren’t enough, accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the best path forward. Through diagnostic procedures like EGD, our gastroenterologists can thoroughly evaluate the esophagus and stomach to identify structural issues or inflammation.

In severe GERD cases, our team may recommend an advanced surgical procedure, fundoplication. It reinforces and strengthens your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) by wrapping part of the stomach around the lower esophagus, preventing acid and other stomach contents from flowing up into the esophagus. 

What should you expect from long-term reflux treatment?

While advanced procedures are highly effective, they don’t guarantee a permanent cure. Some patients may still need occasional medication years after their procedure.

It is also important to consider the long-term side effects of each approach. For example, a recent study in Annals of Surgery found that gas bloating affected 53% of patients after traditional fundoplication surgery. 

We believe in honest, evidence-based medicine, and our gastroenterology team explains the trade-offs clearly so you can make an informed decision. 

If you’re fed up with the daily pain of acid reflux and you’re ready to explore advanced treatments, contact Desert Valley Gastroenterology today to schedule a consultation.