Seminar for treatment of GERD

The Advanced Surgery Center of Georgia will host a free community seminar about the newest advancement in surgical procedures for the treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

The procedure, transoral incisionless fundoplication, is now available at Northside Hospital-Cherokee. The seminar will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 27 at the Surgery Center, 220 Hospital Rd. in Canton. Dr. J. Barry McKernan will discuss the causes of GERD and the TIF procedure.

GERD is characterized by a painful, burning sensation in the chest, particularly after eating. GERD occurs when the lower muscle of the esophagus does not close properly, allowing stomach acid to go into the stomach.