A silicone ball implanted in the stomach could help relieve persistent heartburn. The device, about the size of a ping pong ball, is stitched to the top of the inside of the stomach via keyhole surgery. In position, the ball presses down on the one-way valve that lets food move from the oesophagus — the food pipe — and into the stomach. Most of those affected will benefit from drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which lower acid production. It’s thought this may be because we produce more stomach acid in the morning.

Source: Daily Mail December 29, 2020 00:34 UTC