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| SVH Surgeon Ends 30 Years of Heartburn Symptoms for Burnham Woman |
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| SVH Surgeon Ends 30 Years of Heartburn Symptoms for Burnham Woman |
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Last November Burnham resident Linda Hall was preparing for an operation at Sebasticook Valley Hospital with surgeon Wassim Mazraany, MD. She had a procedure to treat gastro esophageal reflux disease, or GERD, known as Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication.
“I had lived like this for over thirty years – I have had heartburn problems since I was a teenager. It was getting so bad that I couldn’t drink water. I was afraid to eat when I was alone because I was afraid of choking. My husband encouraged me to go to my doctor. I knew I had to do something. My doctor diagnosed the condition, hiatal hernia, and she sent me to a gastroenterologist. The surgery didn’t happen immediately – I had to think about it and research it. I also spent a year losing weight. Between that and bringing my husband along with me to the office visit, the doctor knew I was serious. I had been taking Prevacid but I did not want to be a pill taker. The gastroenterologist told me that Dr. Wassim Mazraany was one of very few surgeons in the state doing this procedure.”
“I fell in love with Dr. Mazraany. He was fantastic. He is right up front with you and tells you how it is and what your options are. My husband and I were both very impressed. He even called me at home after the surgery to see how I was feeling.”
“The surgical staff in Pittsfield were absolutely excellent – they were sweethearts - the recovery room nurse and the person who gave me anesthesia. I was in the hospital overnight. I’m athletic and within three days I was back out walking - maybe not doing my normal three to six miles, but I picked up slowly. I went back to work in a week. I did have a little sore throat at first and had to be careful to chew fine and be careful what I ate. But now (6 months later) I don’t have any symptoms. I ask myself ‘Why didn’t I do this sooner?’”
GERD is a common digestive disorder. It is caused by gastric acid flowing from the stomach into the esophagus – the wrong direction. Usually a muscular valve closes and does not allow this to happen but those with GERD often experience an inappropriate relaxing of this valve which allows stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus.
Like many people with GERD, Linda Hall had tried other treatment choices. Before taking the surgical step, most patients will try weight reduction, avoidance of certain foods, and taking medications to help relieve symptoms. For some patients, these options do not work or they don’t want to take medications. Surgery may also be indicated for patients with reflux complications, such as ulcers, strictures, or a condition knows as Barrett’s esophagus.
The surgery Dr. Wassim Mazraany performs is knows as Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication. The operation wraps a part of the stomach known as the gastric fundus around the lower esophagus. This technique prevents the flow of acids from the stomach into the esophagus. It also strengthens the valve. Dr. Mazraany uses small surgical tools during the surgery that results in less scarring and recovery than traditional surgery. The patient stays less time in the hospital and infection risk is lower due to smaller incisions.
Heartburn, also known as acid indigestion, is the most common symptom of GERD. If not treated, GERD can cause ulcers, bleeding, and narrowing of the esophagus (stricture).
Dr. Mazraany recently shared the following about this procedure, “This procedure is not for everyone. Sometimes lifestyle changes and pills can take care of the problem. However, if those measures fail, or the patient does not want to stay on the pills forever, the operation is definitely an excellent option to consider. We have done a large number of these now, and our results have been outstanding. The relief is immediate, and the recovery period is very short.”
Dr. Mazraany has been a member of the medical staff of Sebasticook Valley Hospital since 2002. He has extensive experience in general and laparoscopic surgical care. His office, currently located at 118 Moosehead Trail in Newport will be moving this summer to 72 North Road in Detroit. He also maintains an office in Bangor where he is on the staff of Eastern Maine Medical Center. Both hospitals are members of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems.
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For more information about the procedure, ask your healthcare provider or contact the office of Wassim Mazraany, M.D. for more information at 368-5401.
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August 20, 2008
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