TIF Procedure

TIF (transoral incisionless fundoplication) is the latest treatment for safely and effectively treating chronic acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A completely incisionless procedure, TIF reconstructs the antireflux barrier to provide a solution to the anatomical root cause of GERD. The procedure is for patients who are dissatisfied with current pharmaceutical therapies or are concerned about the long-term effects of daily use of reflux medications.

TIF is performed endoscopically using the innovative EsophyX surgical device from EndoGastric Solutions. In clinical studies, 79% of patients remained off daily PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) and 93% experienced a total elimination of heartburn at two years after the TIF procedure

What is GERD?
If you have heartburn or reflux twice a week or more, you may have GERD. Heartburn is the most common symptom, but you may also experience:

• Hoarseness or sore throat
• Frequent swallowing
• Asthma or asthma-like symptoms
• Pain or discomfort in the chest
• Sleep disruption (unable to sleep lying down)
• Bloating
• Excessive clearing of the throat
• Persistent cough
• Burning in the mouth or throat
• Intolerance of certain foods
• Dental erosions or therapy-resistant gum disease or inflammation

Normally, after swallowing, a valve between the esophagus and stomach opens to allow food to pass, then it closes to prevent stomach contents from “refluxing” back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest. For people who suffer from GERD, the valve is dysfunctional and unable to prevent acid from refluxing into the esophagus.

Why pharmaceuticals are not a long-term solution
GERD today is typically treated with medications such as histamine receptor antagonists (H2 blockers), such as Pepcid, Tagamet and Zantac, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as Nexium, Prilosec and Protonix. These medications can lose their effectiveness over time. They also don’t treat the underlying root causes of reflux, the deteriorated anatomy of the antireflux barrier, so life-long medication therapy is required. In addition, recent studies on the adverse effects of long-term use of PPIs indicate a significantly higher incidence of hip fractures, particularly among women.

Conventional surgical treatment
For people who have severe GERD, surgical intervention may be required. Though the conventional laparoscopic procedure has long been proven a very effective long-term solution, it is still “invasive.” It includes incisions and patients must remain in the hospital for up to several da
ys. For that reason, the number of GERD sufferers who undergo the procedure is relatively small.

TIF procedure
TIF was developed to emulate more invasive surgical techniques, but from within and completely without incisions and visible scars. Using the FDA-cleared EsophyX device, the
procedure is performed through the mouth, rather than through an abdominal incision. Typically lasting no more than 50-60 minutes, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia and reconstructs the antireflux barrier to restore the competency of the gastroesophageal junction. Most patients can go home the next day and return to work within a few days.

For more information on the TIF procedure, contact us or make an appointment today!

More information is available at www.GERDHelp.com.