Arma
ARMA (Anti Reflux Mucosal Ablation)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common health problem that significantly affects the quality of life for many people today. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are considered the first-line treatment for GERD. However, new treatment methods are being researched for patients who do not respond to treatment or want to avoid the risks associated with medication use. One of these methods is ARMA, or Anti Reflux Mucosal Ablation.
Content
- -ARMA (Anti Reflux Mucosal Ablation)
- -Who is ARMA Method Applied to?
- -ARMA Procedure
- -Advantages of ARMA Treatment
ARMA method is a highly effective and safe endoscopic procedure that has been used in recent years. During gastroscopy, it involves burning the circular surface of the adjacent stomach to the junction of the stomach and esophagus using a method called 'argon plasma coagulation'. Over time, the edges of the burned area will come together during wound healing, thereby eliminating the looseness in that area within a month. Thus, patients with reflux complaints can get rid of their complaints with a permanent solution without the need for surgery.
Who is ARMA Method Applied to?
ARMA provides an alternative for patients who are not satisfied with proton pump inhibitor therapy or who cannot accept continuous medication use. It is particularly ideal for patients resistant to PPIs and individuals with mild to moderate impaired gastroesophageal junction structures. Compared to more invasive methods such as laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery, ARMA, which is an endoscopic procedure, is also an attractive option for those who fear surgery.
ARMA Procedure
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the condition where stomach contents reflux into the esophagus, causing irritation to its inner surface. Long-term GERD can lead to erosions in the esophagus and eventually serious complications such as Barrett's esophagus.
The ARMA (Anti Reflux Mucosal Ablation) procedure is developed to treat the damage caused by GERD. Essentially, this procedure aims to reduce reflux symptoms by burning the damaged tissue layer on the inner surface of the esophagus and promoting the growth of healthy new cells.
The ARMA procedure is usually performed under endoscopy. In this procedure, the patient is placed under general anesthesia or sedation, and an endoscope is inserted through the mouth into the esophagus. The inner surface of the esophagus is examined with the endoscope, and the damaged tissue layer is intervened. The procedure is applied when the patient has fasted for at least 6 hours. The procedure is usually completed within 30 minutes. Mucosal ablation is performed using argon plasma coagulation, which leads to the narrowing of the stomach valve and thus reduces reflux symptoms.
After the ablation procedure, the inner surface of the esophagus usually heals within a few weeks. During this time, most patients report a significant decrease in reflux symptoms. Patients may be advised to make changes in their eating habits for the effects of ARMA treatment to be permanent.
Advantages of ARMA Treatment
- - Minimally Invasive: ARMA is a minimally invasive procedure since it is an endoscopic procedure. This allows for rapid patient recovery and short hospital stays.
- - Short Recovery Time: The ARMA procedure typically has a fast recovery time. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks after the procedure.
- - Reduction in Symptoms: The ARMA procedure reduces irritation in the esophagus, thereby alleviating reflux symptoms. This significantly improves the patient's quality of life.
- - Quick Return to Social Life: The return to social life after treatment is quick. Patients can resume normal activities after overcoming the effects of anesthesia and resting for a few hours. In the long term, ARMA treatment can provide permanent improvement in GERD symptoms, and no recurrence of reflux has been reported after surgery.
ENDOSCOPY/COLONOSCOPY
ENDOSCOPIC OBESITY
ADVANCED ENDOSCOPY
ENDOSCOPIC REFLUX PROCEDURES