Reconstruction instead of constriction
The traditional concept of an isolated esophageal sphincter is now considered outdated.
The closure mechanism in humans is not controlled by a single muscle or sphincter within the esophagus.
Rather, it is the result of a complex interaction between multiple structures – in particular the diaphragm, esophagus, stomach, and even the heart.
The underlying cause
Reflux is therefore not an isolated disease of the esophagus.
It arises from a subtle yet crucial displacement of organs within a three-dimensional system.
The key factor:
The delicate musculature of the diaphragm is no longer able to maintain this precise anatomical alignment.
A simple analogy
This can be compared to a mechanical clock or gearbox:
If a single gear shifts out of place, the entire system stops functioning – even though the individual component itself is completely intact.
Scientific foundation
These mechanisms have been scientifically investigated and first described by
Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Eckhard Löhde.
They form the basis of the surgical concept he developed:
Laparoscopic Oesophago-Hiatal DeltaMesh Enhancement (L.OE.H.D.E. procedure)
Principle of the procedure
👉 Restoration of the natural anatomical relationships between the diaphragm, esophagus, and stomach
Only the disrupted diaphragm is reconstructed and stabilized.
This leads to the fundamental difference:
👉 no constriction
👉 no wrapping
👉 no suturing or artificial alteration of healthy organs
The role of the DeltaMesh implant
To achieve lasting stability of this critical tissue reconstruction,
Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Eckhard Löhde developed a specialized, patented implant specifically for this procedure.
This implant is placed within the diaphragm muscle and induces active muscular stabilization.
This means:
👉 the muscle grows into the implant
👉 the defect is closed from within in a stable manner
👉 natural anatomy and function are restored
The resulting tissue stability can even exceed the original strength of the diaphragm.
Visualization of the procedure
The following video illustrates the surgical technique.