Henrico Doctors’ Hospital Introduces Incisionless Procedure for the Treatment of Reflux

[Richmond, VA] June 23, 2008 – Henrico Doctors’ Hospital has launched a new incisionless procedure for the millions of Americans suffering with reflux.  The procedure, EsophyX™ offers an excellent alternative for reflux patients who have been diagnosed with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux). 

Dr .William E. Kelley, Jr. at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, a leader in the treatment of GERD, is the first specialist in the Mid-Atlantic region to be trained in Europe on the new incisionless technique. 

“EsophyX™ can significantly improve quality of life for our patients” said Dr. Kelley. “Many reflux patients are unable to drink carbonated beverages, consume caffeine or eat rich foods or fruit without triggering reflux.  They also sleep sitting up to reduce nighttime reflux. After the EsophyX procedure, clinical trials show that most patients can eat and drink foods they avoided for many years.  Reflux no longer impacts their life like it previously did.”

EsophyX™ represents the next generation of surgery. The transition from open surgery to laparoscopy has been regarded as the major advance in surgery in the last two decades. However, laparoscopy still involves the same internal incisions and organ dissection as open surgery.  EsophyX, however, is a giant leap forward and avoids incisions altogether. Because of this reduced invasiveness, EsophyX lowers the hurdle for receiving an anatomical restoration of the antireflux barrier and allows earlier intervention. 

“Recent studies of EsophyX have shown that the procedure can reduce patients’ dependency on medications with 80% of patients remaining symptom free after two years and experiencing a dramatic improvement in their quality of life,” said Dr. Kelley. “We are very excited to be able to offer our patients the same incredible benefits with minimal risk.” Because the procedure is incisionless, there is no visible scar.

Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, with campuses at 1602 Skipwith Road (Forest Campus) and 7700 E. Parham Road (Parham Campus), is a 540-bed acute-care hospital offering state-of-the-art medical technology in a community hospital setting. Part of the HCA Richmond Health System, Henrico Doctors’ Hospital was named one of HealthGrades “America’s 50 Best Hospitals” in 2007. The Cancer Center at HDH is accredited by the American College of Surgeons with ten commendations. A Solucient® 100 Top Hospital, HDH is also a national leader in kidney transplants and robotic surgery.  In addition, Henrico Doctors’ recently opened The Orthopaedic Hospital, a new state-of-the-art facility on its Parham Campus. For more information on Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, visit us at www.hcarichmond.com and click on Henrico Doctors’ Hospital.

With 1,800 beds, 7,700 employees and 2,300 affiliated physicians, HCA Richmond Health System is the largest and most comprehensive healthcare provider and largest private employer in Central Virginia.  HCA Richmond Health System operates four hospitals along with freestanding surgery, imaging and Quick Care centers.  Our hospitals include CJW Medical Center, Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, John Randolph Medical Center and Retreat Hospital.  Both CJW Medical Center and Henrico Doctors’ Hospital have been named HealthGrades ‘America’s 50 Best Hospitals’ in 2007 and are the only Virginia hospitals to earn this distinction.  For more information or to select a physician, please contact MedLine at 800-242-5662.