No Burp Syndrome

No burp syndrome is medically known as retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction. It is caused by a very tight muscle at the top of the oesophagus which does not let air pass back through the mouth from the stomach.

In the UK there only a few doctors who are aware of no burp syndrome let alone treat it. Following specialist training I am one of a handful of surgeons who can successfully treat it.

The main symptoms of no burp syndrome include: Lifelong inability to burp Chest/back pain Flatulence/nausea Gurgling noises in chest/abdomen

Diagnosis is essentially based on your history. A thorough examination and flexible camera will be passed to ensure there are no other problems

Under a quick general anaesthetic I will pass a small tube to the top of your food pipe, find the tight muscle and inject botulinum toxin into it. After a few days you will feel some relief and after a few weeks you should be burping normally.

For most patients the benefit usually lasts 6-9 months. Some people need it repeating but for others a single injection is enough to cure and help you burp.