MEMORIAL HERMANN BAPTIST BEAUMONT HOSPITAL OFFERS NEW TECHNOLOGY

PillCam™ ESO Now Available at Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont Hospital

BEAUMONT – (April 17, 2006) – A new camera-in-a-pill called PillCam™ ESO, can now, for the first time, help doctors diagnose and evaluate diseases of the esophagus including, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erosive esophagitis and Barrett’s Esophagus (a pre-cancerous condition) without the use of a traditional endoscope.

The PillCam ESO, about the size of a large vitamin, is a non-invasive diagnostic alternative to traditional endoscopy, the most common procedure used to examine the esophagus.  In traditional endoscopy, a long, flexible tube (endoscope) is put into the mouth and advanced down the throat into the esophagus.  It requires sedation and several hours of recovery.

“We now have a revolutionary technology that offers a quick, easy test that may help many people avoid traditional endoscopy,” said Nancy Sims, Chief Nursing Officer. “It may also encourage more people to see their doctor to get checked for diseases that if caught early can be treated effectively.”

The PillCam ESO is taken with a glass of water.  It then glides down the esophageal tract taking about 2,600 color digital pictures (14 per second), which are transmitted to a recording device.  After 20 minutes, the doctor has enough video images to make an evaluation.  Studies show that PillCam ESO is comparable in accuracy to traditional endoscopy.  Also, unlike traditional endoscopy, the procedure requires no sedation and patients can resume normal activity immediately.  
 
According to health experts, most of the 19 million GERD sufferers do not monitor their condition despite the fact that 5% to 15% of GERD patients may have Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer, the fastest growing type of cancer in America.

GERD sufferers are often treated with prescription or over-the-counter antacids.  However, treatments that control symptoms do not prevent the development of more serious complications.

“Millions of people are chronic antacid users and have never been evaluated for esophageal disease,” said Sims.  “We think that the PillCam ESO will make it easier for people at risk to get that evaluation sooner and keep esophageal disease in check.”

The PillCam ESO is not for everyone.  People with swallowing disorders, pacemakers or with known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, strictures or fistulas are not candidates.

For more information call (409) 212-5000.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mary Poole   
Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont Hospital
Beaumont & Orange
(409) 212-6145/Pgr. (409) 841-1901