Reading the latest information and familiarizing himself with the latest equipment is what Dr. Arun Ohri loves to do — and it’s all about gastroenterology.
Ohri is a gastroenterologist who specializes in acid reflux.
With a new office now open in Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, Ohri has targeted a new passion which is to be the first to bring a new procedure to the Downers Grove area to control acid reflux.
“I chose it because (my partner and I) wanted to bring something that no one does to the area,” Ohri said. “It is bringing new technology and treatment for his patients.”
Ohri is working to bring the Transoral Incision-less Fundoplication procedure to the hospital. The procedure is performed with an EsophyX device, which is inserted through the patient’s mouth down into the stomach where an anti-reflux valve is created and held in place with suture type fasteners.
Most people begin taking medications to reduce acid but will find it is not a long-term solution, Ohri said. The new procedure is less invasive than surgery and will provide patients with an escape from daily medications or surgery.
The success rate is about 85 percent, which is as good as surgery, Ohri said. The procedure takes less than an hour to complete and patients are eating again that same evening.
“We will see more (patients in need) after the holidays,” he said. “This is the biggest time of year.”
Fast acid facts
About 60 million Americans have acid reflux
Acid reflux is when the stomach acid backs up in the esophagus and causes damage.
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“We wanted to bring something that no one does. It is bringing in new technology and treatment options for the patient,” Ohri said.
Philosophy on life
“Love yourself, no one will love you like you love yourself. If you don’t love yourself no one will love you.”
Favorites
MUSIC Bach
PLAYS “Miss Saigon”
FOOD Northern Italian
BOOKS Medicine journals
HOBBY “Work is my hobby. I am into running, biking, food and wine.”
