Gastroenterologist performs first G-POEM procedure at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital

Imagine being unable to eat because your own body is rejecting your food, even sips of water. Four years ago, 30-year-old Shauna Gilson suddenly developed a condition called gastroparesis, a disorder that slows or stops the movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine, even though there is no blockage.

“I thought that one day, I would come home and find my daughter dead in her bedroom. This condition was that debilitating for her,” said Shauna’s father Walter John Gilson.

Shauna has special needs and her father Walter is her full-time caretaker. They tried multiple different treatments and therapies for Shauna to try to remedy her symptoms, but nothing helped. During a recent visit with gastroenterologist Dr. Jason Hallman at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital (NFH), Shauna and Walter discovered that a new procedure could be performed to provide Shauna with significant relief and possibly a resolution of her symptoms. Dr. Tony Brar, a recent addition to the gastroenterology team at NFH, offers a procedure called gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy, also known as G-POEM. During the G-POEM procedure, an endoscope (a narrow tube with a camera) is inserted through the mouth (peroral) to cut the muscles near the pyloric sphincter (a myotomy). This helps permanently relax the sphincter, so food can empty freely.

Dr. Brar identified Shauna as a candidate for G-POEM and performed the surgery in March 2023. The procedure itself was historic; it was the first ever G-POEM performed at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital. Shortly after the procedure, Shauna was able to eat and retain solid food and fluids again, something she hadn’t been able to do in years. Shauna is still recovering, but is now able to eat most foods without issues.

“This procedure and Dr. Brar himself were both just the answer to our prayers. It’s a 180 degree turn in our lives,” said Walter. “This condition was truly life-changing for my daughter, and this procedure has equally been as life-changing. We even found out that this procedure isn’t offered at most centers, and it was amazing to find this option here. It’s a godsend.”

“It is very humbling to be able to provide this endoscopic option for patients in need,” said Dr. Tony Brar, gastroenterologist at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital. “Only a handful of centers in the country are able to offer this procedure and we are fortunate to be one of them. I’m very happy for Shauna, and it is so rewarding to see how far she has come. We look forward to continuing to provide high-level, advanced therapeutic endoscopy for our community.”

To learn more about our gastroenterology services and to schedule an appointment with a provider, visit the HCA Florida Healthcare website gastroenterology page or call (844) 706-8773.