Monday, February 11, 2019
New minimally invasive technology at Beaumont, Trenton eliminates side effects of traditional surgery
For most of his adulthood, Thomas Clapp, 56, suffered from gastroesophageal disease, or GERD, a severe form of acid reflux that can lead to esophageal cancer. He could not sleep lying in a bed and had to rest in a chair. He would awaken several times nightly, choking with painful heartburn. Even bending over to pick up something off the floor would cause Clapp to aspirate into his lungs, which could be deadly.
Now, his GERD is gone thanks to an advanced, minimally invasive surgery performed by gastroenterologist Bradford Whitmer, D.O., at Beaumont Hospital, Trenton. The doctor performed Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication, or TIF – using the EsophyX device. He reconstructed Clapp’s gastroesophageal valve and restored its function as a barrier to prevent acid reflux. And, his patient doesn’t even have a visible scar.
GERD interfered with Clapp’s life
Not only did he have trouble sleeping, Clapp cut foods from his diet that triggered symptoms. Gone were high-fat foods, tomatoes, citrus fruit, chocolate, garlic, onions, spicy foods, caffeine and mint. He ate yogurt and grapes to cool his burning throat. Clapp said, “My throat was so inflamed from constant acid reflux, I hacked and coughed like a heavy smoker.”
Twice daily, Clapp took a high-dose proton pump inhibitor, or PPI, medication. Yet, long-term use of high-dose PPIs can mean calcium loss, leading to osteoporosis, heightened risk of heart attack and kidney and liver problems.
Dr. Whitmer said, “Mr. Clapp educated himself about his condition and the traditional surgery option, which would have cut into his abdomen and possibly left him with difficulty swallowing, bloating and increased flatulence. I understand why he selected this surgery instead.”
A better form of relief for GERD patients
Dr. Whitmer trained for months on the TIF procedure using the new technology. He also worked with the leaders at Beaumont, Trenton to bring the EsophyX online.
“The device is inserted through the patient’s mouth with direct visual guidance from an endoscope. Surgery is performed from within and it’s revolutionary,” Dr. Whitmer said. “This procedure reduces patients’ dependency on medications, the majority of whom no longer need it. Their quality of life is dramatically improved.”
One week before Thanksgiving last year, Clapp became Dr. Whitmer’s first patient to have the TIF surgery. During the two nights he spent in the hospital, he slept uninterrupted. It was the first decent sleep for him in decades.
“I didn’t have much surgical pain and only needed three Tylenol,” Clapp said. “Dr. Whitmer prescribed a liquid diet for two weeks to allow my esophagus to heal. Instead of putting on weight at Thanksgiving, I lost 12 pounds — and I’m a tall, slender guy. None of that matters, though, since I feel amazingly good now and can eat and drink anything I like.”
A life restored with zero GERD pain
“I am so pleased with this surgery and hope it catches the attention of others with GERD. I wholeheartedly recommend it. Don’t wait, because life is too short not to enjoy each day to the fullest,” Clapp said.
Due to the physically strenuous nature of Clapp’s job as a carpenter at Beaumont Hospital, Wayne, Dr. Whitmer prescribed a 2.5-month recovery at home to allow him to fully recover. Now, Clapp’s back to work without restrictions and ready to meet the physical demands of being a carpenter.
Clapp, an avid outdoorsman, is also itching to resume his favorite pastimes of fishing from his boat and hunting. He said, “While I’m planning all kinds of fishing and hunting trips, my wife has been working on her honey-do list, which will keep me out of trouble at home.”
For more information or to make an appointment at Beaumont, Trenton, call 734-642-2212.