UK’s first RefluxStop procedure performed at King Edward VII’s Hospital

The UK’s first RefluxStop^TM procedure has been performed at King Edward VII’s Hospital, the first operation of its kind in the UK. Mr Nicholas Boyle, founder of RefluxUK, and his team are pioneering the minimally invasive technique which offers a solution to the hundreds of thousands of Britons affected by GORD and the symptoms it can cause each day. Despite the proven benefits, just one in 100 patients are currently offered surgery.

Unlike traditional “fundoplication”, RefluxStop^TM does not compress the food passage that leads into the stomach, called the oesophagus. In contrast to fundoplication, the evidence is that most patients experience minimal swallowing difficulties following surgery or the other potential side effects including difficulties with belching or vomiting.

The only specialist reflux clinic in the UK currently offering first RefluxStop^TM, King Edward VII’s has added the procedure to others including LINX® and fundoplication. Performed as a keyhole operation, the procedure includes repair of a hiatus hernia when present, strengthening of the Lower Oesophageal Valve (LOS), failure of which is the primary cause of reflux and the implantation of a small silicone device. This non-active implant is placed on the upper part of the stomach through minimally-invasive laparoscopic surgery and helps maintain the LOS in the correct position allowing it to work efficiently. Patients will be discharged the same day as their surgery, which will limit the challenges with eating and swallowing during recovery, particularly for those with poor oesophageal motility.

Mr Nick Boyle, Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon at King Edward VII’s commented: “Reflux can be a complex condition and is best treated in the context of a specialist centre. Establishing RefluxUK and the Reflux Centre at King Edward VII’s provides the basis for more options, specialised solutions and better outcomes for a condition that can be incredibly debilitating to patients. Our multidisciplinary team process is dedicated to treating the condition in the most effective way. The addition of RefluxStop^TM is an exciting development for patients, which will hopefully increase the number of patients eligible to undergo treatment which can transform their lives.”

Lindsey Condron, Chief Executive at the hospital also commented: “At King Edward VII’s we’re committed to securing the best outcomes for our patients and are dedicated to driving innovation in the management of acid reflux. This new procedure provides a welcome step forward for improving the quality of life for those affected.”