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, which not only accompanies a whole range of painful symptoms but can also lead to the development of many serious complications over time, including precancerous diseases of the esophagus. That is why the doctors at the Top Ihilov 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 of reflux esophagitis treatment in Israel today is among the highest in the world – in more than 95% of cases, patients fully recover and do not experience problems caused by esophageal inflammation in the future.
Among other advantages of turning to Top Ihilov, one can note the speed and accuracy of diagnosis, first-class service quality, and a democratic pricing policy. The doctors at the clinic have immense practical experience in the therapy of 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, as an initial measure of therapy, patients are primarily recommended to adjust their diet and eating habits. It is advisable to refrain from consuming alcohol, coffee and tea, carbonated drinks, and overly spicy and salty foods. It is recommended to eat in small portions without overeating. Adhering to such a simple diet will help reduce irritation of the inflamed esophagus and thus alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery.
Further treatment is carried out according to individual schemes. Before prescribing any procedures, the doctors at the Top Ihilov Medical Center take into account the specific type of esophagitis (erosive, catarrhal, edematous, etc.), the nature of the disease's course (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 contents of the stomach entering the esophagus, patients are primarily prescribed medications to reduce acidity levels. Most commonly, these are proton pump inhibitors and antacids. They help reduce the acidity of gastric juice, which prevents its effect from irritating the walls of the esophagus, and the inflammatory process disappears. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly selective NSAIDs, are used to alleviate the inflammatory process. If the development of esophagitis is provoked by other causes (bacterial, viral, or fungal infections), the patient is also prescribed appropriate medications: antibiotics, antiviral, or antifungal agents. Additionally, prokinetics may be used – they improve gastrointestinal motility, which helps reduce pressure in the stomach and alleviate symptoms. All medications used at Top Ihilov effectively combat both the manifestations of esophagitis and its causes, and their additional advantage is the minimal likelihood of side effects.
- Physiotherapy. Good results in esophageal inflammation are achieved with procedures such as electrophoresis, amplipulse therapy, and peloid therapy (treatment with mud). They help to more quickly eliminate inflammatory processes and painful symptoms, improve blood supply, and the condition of the gastrointestinal tract as a whole. The healing muds of the Dead Sea are particularly valuable in this regard, and procedures using them are also conducted at Top Ihilov.
- Radiofrequency ablation. A minimally invasive procedure performed to remove scar changes on the walls of the esophagus. A special needle-electrode is brought to them, with which the pathologically altered tissues are destroyed by high-frequency current. Because the procedure is performed without any incisions, it is not accompanied by 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 surgery aims to strengthen the esophageal sphincter and prevent the contents of the stomach 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 surgery is performed laparoscopically, recovery takes only a few days, and scars on the body remain almost invisible.
Diagnosis of Esophagitis at Top Ihilov
Undergoing examination in Israel gives patients confidence that the diagnosis will be established quickly and 100% accurately. At the Top Ihilov 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.
The clinic's doctors also conduct remote consultations. This is a great opportunity to get a second opinion from an expert-level specialist without significant financial costs and the need to travel abroad. It is enough to send the Israeli doctor copies of all medical documents 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 referred to one of the leading specialists in the gastroenterology department. The doctor clarifies complaints, carefully studies the medical history, and then develops a program for further examination. For patients who have used the "Video Consultation" service, the first doctor's visit at 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. It includes gastroenterologists and other specialized specialists who analyze the research results 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 here is fixed at the state level, and payment for them 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 medicine. Compared to the USA and Western Europe, patients have the opportunity to save from 30 to 45%.
- Highly qualified doctors with immense clinical experience.
- 100% accurate diagnosis.
- Use of new 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 – in Israel, patients save about 30-45%.
- Services of a personal case manager who will assist with the translation of medical documentation, communication with doctors and medical staff, as well as solving 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.