Professor Moshe (Erwin) SantoHead of the Institute for the Treatment of Digestive System and Liver Diseases
Esophagitis is a fairly common pathology of the digestive system that not only comes with a range of painful symptoms but can also lead to many serious complications over time, including precancerous conditions of the esophagus. This is why doctors at the Top Ichilov Medical Center always take a comprehensive approach to its treatment. The therapy programs they develop help achieve rapid improvement in well-being, eliminate the negative consequences of the disease, and prevent its further progression. As a result, the effectiveness rates for treating reflux esophagitis in Israel today are among the highest in the world—over 95% of patients fully recover and do not experience issues caused by esophageal inflammation in the future.
Among other advantages of turning to Top Ichilov, one can note the speed and accuracy of diagnosis, top-notch service quality, and a reasonable pricing policy. The doctors at the clinic possess immense practical experience in treating all known types of esophagitis, so even if a patient could not receive qualified help in their home country, the chances of recovery in Israel are quite high.
Modern Treatment Methods for Esophagitis
Since the condition of the gastrointestinal tract largely depends on a person's lifestyle, patients are primarily advised to adjust their diet and eating habits as an initial therapeutic measure. It is advisable to refrain from consuming alcohol, coffee and tea, carbonated drinks, and overly spicy and salty foods. Eating smaller portions without overeating is recommended. Adhering to such a simple diet will help reduce irritation of the inflamed esophagus, thereby alleviating symptoms and speeding up recovery.
Further treatment is carried out according to individual schemes. Before prescribing any procedures, doctors at the Top Ichilov Medical Center consider the specific type of esophagitis (erosive, catarrhal, edematous, etc.), the nature of the disease's progression (acute or chronic), the presence of pathological changes in the esophagus and other complications, the patient's age, etc.
- Medication therapy. Since esophagitis is most often caused by the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, patients are primarily prescribed medications to reduce acidity levels. These are usually proton pump inhibitors and antacids. They help reduce the acidity of gastric juice, preventing irritation of the esophageal walls, thus eliminating the inflammatory process. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly selective NSAIDs, are used to manage inflammation. If the development of esophagitis is triggered by other causes (bacterial, viral, or fungal infections), appropriate medications such as antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals are also prescribed. Additionally, prokinetics may be used to improve gastrointestinal motility, which helps reduce pressure in the stomach and alleviate symptoms. All medications used at Top Ichilov effectively combat both the manifestations of esophagitis and its causes, with the added benefit of minimal likelihood of side effects.
- Physiotherapy. Good results for esophageal inflammation are achieved with procedures such as electrophoresis, amplipulse therapy, and peloid therapy (mud treatment). These help to quickly eliminate inflammatory processes and painful symptoms, improve blood supply, and enhance the overall condition of the gastrointestinal tract. The therapeutic muds from the Dead Sea are particularly valuable in this regard, with procedures using them conducted at Top Ichilov.
- Radiofrequency ablation. A minimally invasive procedure aimed at removing scar changes in the esophageal walls. A special needle-electrode is applied to them, through which the pathologically altered tissues are destroyed by high-frequency current. Since the procedure is performed without any incisions, it is not associated with complications (including bleeding) and does not require hospitalization.
- Surgical treatment. In advanced forms of the disease complicated by ulcerative-scar and other pathological changes in the esophagus, surgical intervention may be indicated. The most common of these is fundoplication. This operation aims to strengthen the esophageal sphincter and prevent stomach contents from entering it. Reviews of esophagitis treatment in Israel indicate that fundoplication is not only a highly effective but also a minimally traumatic method of surgical correction of the lower esophageal sphincter. Because the operation is performed laparoscopically, recovery takes only a few days, and scars on the body remain virtually invisible.
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Diagnosis of Esophagitis at Top Ichilov
Undergoing examination in Israel gives patients confidence that the diagnosis will be established quickly and with 100% accuracy. At the Top Ichilov Medical Center, diagnosis takes no more than three to four days and is conducted using the most modern equipment, allowing for the detection of pathological changes in the esophagus even at early stages of disease progression.
Doctors at the clinic also conduct remote consultations. This is a great opportunity to get a second opinion from an expert-level specialist without significant financial costs or traveling abroad. It is sufficient to send copies of all medical documents to the doctor in Israel via email and have a device for accessing Skype. After analyzing the provided information, the doctor will conduct a video consultation during which they will express their opinion regarding the diagnosis and the most suitable treatment.
Day One. Consultation with the Attending Physician
First, the patient is directed to an appointment with one of the leading specialists in the gastroenterology department. The doctor clarifies the complaints, thoroughly studies the medical history, and then formulates a program for further examination. For patients who use the "Video Consultation" service, the first visit to the clinic is free.
Day Two. Diagnostic Procedures
The diagnostic program for suspected esophagitis includes the following studies:
- Esophagogastroscopy.
- pH-metry of the esophagus and stomach.
- Intragastric manometry.
- X-ray and others.
Day Three. Treatment Assignment
The diagnosis concludes with a meeting of the medical council. Gastroenterologists and other specialized specialists analyze the results of the studies and determine the most appropriate therapy methods.
How Much Does Esophagitis Treatment Cost in Israel
The pricing policy of Israeli clinics is completely transparent. The cost of medical services is fixed at the state level, and payment is made directly to the hospital fund. It is also noteworthy that the price of esophagitis treatment in Israel is much lower than in other countries with similarly developed healthcare systems. Compared to the USA and Western Europe, patients have the opportunity to save between 30% and 45%.
- Highly qualified doctors with immense clinical experience.
- 100% accurate diagnosis.
- Use of next-generation medications and other modern therapy methods.
- Conducting predominantly minimally invasive surgeries, recovery from which is much easier and faster.
- Relatively low cost of esophagitis treatment—patients save about 30-45% in Israel.
- Services of a personal case manager who will assist with translating medical documentation, communicating with doctors and medical staff, as well as resolving all everyday issues.
To receive an individual consultation from a clinic doctor, simply provide your contact details in the application form. We will contact you within 30 minutes.