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Dr. Tokunaga Offers Relief
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July, 2005
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Yuba-Sutter area residents who continually suffer from acid reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal Reflex Disease (GERD), may no longer have to rely on medications to relieve discomfort and pain. Sutter North Medical Foundation’s Gastroenterologist, Kosuke Tokunaga, M.D., is currently the only local physician performing a new procedure to relieve the burning pain that often forces people to drastically change their lifestyle.
“Most people who suffer from GERD live off medications to help alleviate pain and discomfort,” said Dr. Tokunaga. “That can not only become costly, but can be inconvenient and cause adverse side effects.”
Until recently there were only two options to treat GERD: medications and an inpatient surgery option that required hospitalization, a long recover period and sometimes post-surgery medications. The Enteryx Procedure is an alternative to medications and surgery because it is performed in an outpatient same-day setting, and it provides long-term relief.
Enteryx is injected through the esophagus and forms a soft, spongy permanent implant in the sphincter muscle. It is intended to reduce the symptoms of GERD by helping the lower esophageal sphincter keep stomach fluids and acids from backing up into the esophagus.
“The procedure is best for patients who have been diagnosed with GERD, seek an alternative to medication and who have not previously had surgery for GERD,” said Dr. Tokunaga.
Dr. Tokunaga performs the Enteryx Procedure at Sutter North Medical Foundation’s Procedure Center, located at 550 B Street, in Yuba City. For more information or a referral, call 530-749-3650.
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