New in Israel: GERDx Procedure - The Next Generation in Reflux Treatment
The GERDx technology is the last word in the field of Western endoscopy. It is a procedure performed through the mouth, without incisions, using an advanced hydraulic system to suture and reconstruct the gastric valve in full thickness.
Dr. Vosko is Part of the first team in Israel to perform the GERDx procedure.
Dr. Vosko implements this technology in Israel following comprehensive training and certification in Germany.
The treatment offers a robust and stable mechanical solution for heartburn, entirely without surgical incisions.
Update (December 2025): Dr. Vosko has completed specialized training abroad on this new system.
The GERDx technology received FDA approval in 2024, and the procedure is expected to receive final regulatory clearance in Israel by mid-2026.
Want the most innovative treatment?
Contact the GERDx pioneer in Israel.
Who is this treatment for?
- Chronic GERD: Dependence on PPIs or side effects from medications.
- Small Hernia: Up to 2-3 cm.
- Surgery Exclusion: Patients interested in a result closest to surgery (due to suture depth) but without the surgical risks.

The advantage of GERDx over other methods is in the strength of the suture.
- Pioneering: Dr. Vosko is the only one in Israel with initial and in-depth experience in the GERDx method.
- Technical Skill: Using the device requires great precision in suture placement. Dr. Vosko, who instructs physicians in suturing methods, brings the most experienced hands to perform the operation.
- Personalization: Thanks to mastering TIF, GERDx, and Stretta, Dr. Vosko does not "push" for one treatment, but adapts the most correct technology for your condition.
- Safety: Working in advanced medical centers with original equipment and the most skilled team.
The new technology in Israel - for you.
Dr. Vosko invites you for a GERDx suitability check.
How is the treatment carried out?
How is the consultation conducted?
The device is inserted into the stomach. It uses hydraulic arms to grasp the stomach and esophageal tissue and create a new "wrap".
Then, a special needle passes a thick thread through all wall layers and locks it with a tiny plastic (Pledget).
The result: A mechanically tightened valve that prevents reflux.
How should I prepare for treatment?
How should I prepare for the consultation?
- Fasting: 12 hours.
- Recovery: Overnight hospitalization and discharge in the morning.
- Sensations: Mild sore throat or abdominal pressure (treated with painkillers).
What to expect the day after? (Recovery and recuperation)
Rapid recovery and discharge (usually after one night for observation).
Similar to the TIF procedure, a liquid and soft diet is required for several weeks so as not to burden the new sutures and allow the tissue to heal.
Are there risks or side effects?
Considered very safe.
Risks: Pain, mild bleeding, hematoma (bruise) in the pharynx area (passes on its own).
There may be upper abdominal or chest pain in the first days (controlled by medication), mild nausea.
Complications are rare and similar to other endoscopic procedures.
Information for patients from abroad (medical tourism)
The unit is equipped to receive international patients and collaborates with agents for a full logistical envelope.
Direct inquiries are also welcomed for rapid and efficient coordination.
An opportunity for patients from countries where the technology is not yet available, to receive treatment from a leading expert in Israel.
For your convenience, Dr. Vosko is fluent in Hebrew, English, and Russian.
How soon can I return to work and normal activities?
This is one of the outstanding advantages of the GERDx procedure. Because there are no abdominal incisions and the abdominal muscles are not affected, physical recovery is significantly faster compared to surgery. Most patients are discharged home the morning after the procedure and can return to office work or moderate activity within just 2-4 days. Full return (including strenuous sports) depends on the physician's assessment, but overall the "time out" from daily life is minimal.
What is the difference between GERDx and TIF?
That is an excellent question. Both procedures are endoscopic (incisionless) and share the same goal: to reconstruct the valve. The difference lies in the technological device and the suturing technique. The GERDx utilizes advanced hydraulic technology that enables deep, full-thickness sutures with very high precision. Dr. Vosko, as a pioneer in the field, tailors the choice of device (TIF or GERDx) to the patient’s individual anatomy.
Is it permitted to undergo an MRI scan with the GERDx sutures?
Yes, absolutely. The sutures used in the GERDx device are made of advanced medical materials (such as PEEK or medical-grade titanium) that are non-magnetic and completely safe for MRI scans. There is no restriction on undergoing imaging tests in the future.
Will I need to stop taking the PPI pills immediately after the procedure?
Not on the first day. The process of discontinuing the medication is gradual. During the first month, we continue medication at a decreasing dosage to protect the operated area while it heals and strengthens. The ultimate goal is to stop the medication completely, and most patients achieve this within about two to three months.
Is the treatment reversible? What happens if it is not successful?
The key advantage of the endoscopic approach is that we do not "burn bridges". The GERDx procedure restores the valve without resecting the stomach. In the rare case where the treatment does not provide complete long-term relief, the anatomy is preserved and surgical (laparoscopic) intervention can be performed without any problem or limitation.
Acid reducers from the family of proton pump inhibitors
PPIs are potent and effective acid reducers that act by inhibiting the proton pump in the stomach cells - the main mechanism responsible for the production of stomach acid.
As a result, there is a significant and sustained reduction in acid secretion, which enables symptom relief and healing of the upper gastrointestinal mucosa.
Medications from this class are used, among other indications, to treat the following conditions:
- Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
- Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
- Stomach and duodenal ulcers
- As part of the treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection (H. pylori)
- Conditions of excessive acid secretion
Common medications from this group include:
- Omeprazole (Omeprazole)
- Esomeprazole - Nexium (Esomeprazole / Nexium)
- Pantoprazole (Pantoprazole)
- Lansoprazole (Lansoprazole)
In most cases, it is recommended to take PPI medications before meals, according to your doctor's instructions, and only for the required duration.
A burning sensation accompanied by burning pain in the chest area, behind the breastbone, and in the throat. At times, the burning sensation may extend to the neck and reach the mouth.
The symptoms usually appear after eating, but may also occur at night. Lying down or bending forward may worsen the symptoms.
Excess weight, pregnancy, a high-fat diet, nighttime eating, and smoking increase the risk of developing Heartburn.
In most cases, lifestyle changes will alleviate the unpleasant sensation.
Acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus. Causes heartburn, pain when swallowing, and chronic cough.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD (Reflux), in English: GERD, Esophageal Reflux) is a disorder in which acidic content, which normally remains in the stomach, flows from the stomach up into the esophagus and causes a burn in the inner lining of the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). Sometimes gastric juices can even reach the throat and the oral cavity.
GERD (Reflux) means to flow back or to return. Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition in which what is in the stomach returns to the esophagus.
During normal digestion, the lower esophageal sphincter opens to allow food into the stomach. Afterward, it closes to prevent food and acidic gastric juices from flowing back into the esophagus. GERD (Reflux) occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter is weak or relaxes when it should not.
The upward movement of acidic content into the esophagus causes various symptoms that impair the patient's quality of life, including heartburn. Furthermore, the burn caused by the acidic content can result in long-term damage.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is caused by a malfunction of the muscular ring between the esophagus and the stomach. This ring is called the lower esophageal sphincter.
GERD symptoms can be alleviated through dietary and lifestyle changes. However, some individuals may require medication or surgery.
Risk factors for GERD (Reflux)
More than 25% of the population in Israel suffer from heartburn at least once a month, and over 5% of adults experience heartburn daily, including many pregnant women. Recent studies show that GERD is more common in infants and children than doctors previously thought. This can cause repeated episodes of vomiting. It can also lead to coughing and other breathing problems.
Some physicians believe that hiatal hernia may weaken the lower esophageal sphincter and increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach moves into the chest through a small opening in the diaphragm (the diaphragmatic hiatus). The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the abdomen from the chest.
Recent studies indicate that the opening in the diaphragm assists in supporting the lower end of the esophagus.
It is important to note that many people with a hiatal hernia do not experience heartburn or GERD (Reflux). However, a hiatal hernia may allow stomach contents to leak more easily into the esophagus.
Coughing, vomiting, straining, or sudden physical exertion may increase abdominal pressure and lead to a hiatal hernia. Many healthy people aged 50 and over have a small hiatal hernia. Although it is usually a condition of middle age, hiatal hernias can affect people of all ages.
Hiatal hernias usually do not require treatment. However, treatment may be necessary if the hernia is at risk of strangulation, or is twisted in a way that cuts off the blood supply. Treatment for the hernia may be needed if you also have severe GERD (Reflux) or inflammation.
Several other factors can increase the likelihood of developing GERD (Reflux):
Overweight or obesity, pregnancy, delayed gastric emptying, connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or lupus, dietary and lifestyle choices can worsen acid reflux if you already have it: smoking, certain foods and drinks, including chocolate and fatty or fried foods, coffee, and alcohol, large meals, eating before bedtime, certain medications including aspirin.
The most common symptom of GERD (Reflux) is heartburn. This usually feels like a burning pain in the chest that starts behind your breastbone and moves upward toward your neck and throat. Many people say it feels as though food is coming back up into the mouth, leaving a sour or bitter taste.
The burning, pressure, or pain of heartburn can last up to two hours. It is often worse after eating. Lying down or bending over can also trigger heartburn. Many people feel better if they stand upright or take an antacid that neutralizes acid in the esophagus.
People sometimes mistake heartburn pain for the pain of heart disease or a heart attack, but there are differences.
Physical activity can worsen the pain in heart disease, and rest may relieve it.
Heartburn pain is less likely to be brought on by physical activity. However, you cannot always tell the difference, so seek immediate medical assistance if you experience chest pain. In addition to pain, you may also experience nausea, bad breath, breathing difficulties, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, erosion of tooth enamel, and the sensation of a lump in the throat. If you have acid reflux at night, you may also have: persistent cough, laryngitis, sudden onset or worsening of asthma, or sleep problems.
In addition to heartburn, you may also experience:
Nausea
Bad breath
Breathing difficulties
Difficulty swallowing
Vomiting
Erosion of tooth enamel
Sensation of a lump in the throat
Persistent cough
Laryngitis
Sudden onset or worsening of asthma
Sleep problems
We are with you - from the very first call, we understand that on the other end of the line is a person who may be concerned or in pain, waiting for answers. Therefore, we have built a service system that truly sees you:
- High Availability: A live service center is active Sunday-Thursday from 09:00 AM to 07:00 PM and on Fridays from 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM. In urgent cases, we are available beyond these hours.
- Direct WhatsApp Line: Do you have a question about fasting? Did you forget to ask something about your medications? Our customer service is available via WhatsApp for a quick response.
- Peace of Mind from Bureaucracy: Our team is highly experienced in working with insurance companies and supplemental health plans. We will assist you in preparing the necessary paperwork and authorizations so that you can focus entirely on your health.




