First patients in UK receive revolutionary device to stop acid reflux and heartburn

Known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, the condition occurs when contents from the stomach flow back into the oesophagus the stomach.

The first patients in the UK have had a new device implanted to prevent severe acid reflux disease.

University Hospital Southampton (UHS) and Imperial College London have become the first NHS trusts in the country to install the device called the RefluxStop, with Southampton being the first to use robotic surgery for the procedure.

Known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), the condition occurs when contents from the stomach flow back into the oesophagus – the long tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach.

A UHS nurse, Danielle Harding, and consultant general and oesophagogastric surgeon at UHS Fergus Noble. Danielle Harding, 30, is the first patient with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease to undergo the RefluxStop procedure at UHS (University Hospital Southampton/PA Wire)

This can result in a range of symptoms including heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, bloating, excessive salivation, coughing, nausea and a hoarse voice, as well as teeth and gum damage, nutritional problems, and sleep impairment.

It happens when the muscular valve – the lower oesophageal sphincter – at the bottom of the oesophagus becomes weakened because it has moved too close to the diaphragm or even into the chest which affects its function to allow food in and stop acid leaking out.

A UHS spokeswoman said: “The new ‘revolutionary’ device, RefluxStop, is fixed to the upper part of the stomach wall and blocks movement of the lower oesophageal sphincter to hold it in its original, natural position and restore normal anatomy and function.

“Made out of medical grade rounded solid silicone, the implant measures around 25mm – smaller than a ping pong ball – and is fitted via robotic-assisted laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery as a day case, with patients in theatre for less than two hours.”

The RefluxStop device (University Hospital Southampton/PA Wire)

The spokeswoman said that approximately 20% of the adult UK population have problems with severe acid reflux or GORD and UHS treats about 50 patients every year with the condition.

The disease can also lead to further complications such as oesophageal ulcers, a scarred and narrow oesophagus, Barrett’s oesophagus – changes to the cells in the lining of the oesophagus – and oesophageal cancer.

It is estimated that one in every 10 to 20 people with Barrett’s oesophagus will develop oesophageal cancer within 10 to 20 years.

Danielle Harding, 30, recently became the first patient with GORD to undergo the procedure at UHS.

The mother-of-two, from Southampton, said: “I began suffering with severe acid reflux in 2022 and it has affected my life in so many ways – anything that involves eating or drinking has caused me so much anxiety, especially outside of my home.

“The signs are almost immediate with an intense pain in my chest as the reflux comes up the oesophagus and burns my throat, often resulting in me vomiting, it’s been horrendous.”

Undated handout photo issued by University Hospital Southampton of researchers preparing the RefluxStop device, a new implant which aims to prevent severe acid reflux disease, with UniversiThe ‘revolutionary’ device has been praised by consultant general and oesophagogastric surgeon at UHS (University Hospital Southampton/PA Wire)

Ms Harding was prescribed medication from her GP which initially stopped the symptoms only for them to return. An endoscopy showed that she had significant damage to her oesophagus and that she would need to remain on a high dose of medication for life.

Ms Harding said the RefluxStop was a “no-brainer” for her and added: “I had the surgery a little over a month ago and my symptoms have completely disappeared. I’m absolutely delighted and am so grateful to Fergus and the team at UHS, it has changed my life.”

Fergus Noble, consultant general and oesophagogastric surgeon at UHS, said: “GORD can have such a severe impact on a person’s daily life as not only do they suffer with the physical impact whenever they swallow and eat, but also the psychological impact of living with the condition.

“RefluxStop is revolutionary in that it is minimally invasive, restores the lower oesophageal valve to its natural position with no side effects and offers some patients a viable treatment option for the first time.”