How a Gastroenterologist Overcomes Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Professor Jo Jooyoung of Gangnam Cha Hospital Gastroenterology Center
Publishes "Conquering Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Through Lifestyle Improvements"

Professor Jo Ju-young, head of the Gastroenterology Center at Gangnam CHA Hospital, CHA University of Medicine and Science, has published a book titled "Conquering Reflux Esophagitis through Lifestyle Improvements," which contains his accumulated treatment and research know-how for patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Cover of "Conquering Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease through Daily Life Improvements," recently published by Jo Ju-young, Director of the Gastroenterology Center at Gangnam CHA Hospital.
[Photo by CHA Hospital]

The number of patients visiting hospitals due to reflux esophagitis is rapidly increasing every year. Academia cites major causes such as the ultra-aged society, westernized eating habits, and increased stress from intense competition and fatigue. The book published by Professor Jo is aimed at modern people suffering from GERD. It focuses on overcoming the disease and alleviating anxiety through examinations, diagnostic processes, and lifestyle improvements.

The book kindly explains what reflux esophagitis is and provides detailed information on lifestyle habit improvements to overcome reflux esophagitis, what to eat, and how examinations and treatments are conducted. Professor Jo said, "Reflux esophagitis is a very common disease among modern people, and with one’s own will and effort, it is fully recoverable through lifestyle improvements such as dietary habits," adding, "I hope everyone suffering from reflux esophagitis symptoms can overcome the disease and continue to live a healthy life through this book."

Professor Jo is recognized as a leading expert in the digestive system. He was the first in Korea to introduce 'Anti-Reflux Endoscopic Surgery (ARES),' which involves resecting a loosened part of the lower esophageal mucosa to narrow it for patients with refractory reflux esophagitis, and the 'Stretta' procedure, which strengthens the contraction of the lower esophageal sphincter by delivering low-frequency electrical energy via endoscopy. He has also been dedicated to research and treatment of GERD for many years, including treatments using Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC), an endoscopic laser procedure that creates burns at the esophagogastric junction to narrow it during the healing process.

Additionally, he was the first in Korea to introduce Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) for treating achalasia, surpassing 450 cases domestically, and was the first to introduce Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer in Korea. In 2009, he developed the world's first 'Hybrid NOTES' surgery method, which combines endoscopic surgery and laparoscopic surgery to preserve the stomach with minimal resection, leading efforts to disseminate and advance gastrointestinal endoscopic treatments.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.