A property investor from Bushey who suffered debilitating heartburn and reflux for two years has been given a new lease of life following pioneering surgery which has successfully relieved his condition.

Alan Kenley, 48, regularly experienced breathing problems, a hoarse throat and intense heartburn which manifested itself with symptoms similar to those of a heart attack victim.

Everyday tasks would suddenly become difficult and the father of three children and two step-children said he often had to pull over while driving because of the intensity of the pain.

Mr Kenley was eventually diagnosed with the disease Barrett’s oesophagus, a painful condition in which there are changes in the cells on the inner lining of the oesophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. In rare cases this may develop into cancer.

After talking through his options with his doctor, he opted for keyhole surgery to insert a tiny magnetic device round his oesophagus.

Having tried various treatments in the past he was amazed to find that the operation, which took less than two hours, almost entirely relieved his symptoms.

The LINX Reflux Management System was implanted which allows food and drink to pass through the oesophagus but closes to restore the body’s natural barrier to the reflux of acid and bile.

My Kenley said: "I went for the procedure with the thought that even if my condition were reduced by 75 per cent I’d be more than delighted. The procedure itself took only an hour and a half, and after just a couple of days the phlegm in my throat had reduced significantly.

"Since the operation, I no longer have a hoarse voice or the constant feeling that I need to clear my throat.

"The crushing pain I used to suffer has gone, and so has the head, neck and shoulder ache that I have been told was also due to reflux."