Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), can be a persistent and uncomfortable condition, affecting about 20% of the American population.
Here at Eastside Bariatric & General Surgery, fellowship-trained surgeon Aliu O. Sanni, MD, understands how the constant backflow of stomach acid into your esophagus can lead to heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and other unpleasant symptoms.
While lifestyle changes and medications can provide relief for some people, more advanced treatments, such as the transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) procedure, might be necessary for others.
This treatment offers a minimally invasive approach to alleviate your acid reflux and its more advanced form, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Let’s first discuss the mechanics of acid reflux. Normally, a muscular ring called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) prevents your stomach contents from flowing back into your esophagus.
If you have acid reflux, your LES weakens or relaxes inappropriately, allowing stomach acid to escape. This causes irritation and damage to the lining of your esophagus, leading to the classic symptoms of acid reflux.
The TIF procedure is a surgical technique using the EsophyX® device designed to address the root cause of GERD by restoring the function of your LES. Unlike traditional surgical options that require incisions in the abdomen or chest, TIF is performed entirely through your mouth.
Here’s what you can expect with a TIF procedure:
Before your procedure, we place you under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
Dr. Sanni uses an EsophyX device, a flexible endoscope with a special attachment, to access your stomach through your mouth. No external incisions are needed.
The EsophyX device creates a durable valve at the junction of your esophagus and stomach. This valve is similar to the natural LES and helps prevent the backflow of stomach acid into your esophagus.
To secure the newly formed valve, Dr. Sanni uses special sutures or fasteners. These help maintain the valve's integrity over time.
Once the valve is in place and secure, Dr. Sanni removes the EsophyX device.
You spend a few hours in the recovery room and may return home the same day or be discharged the next day.
The TIF procedure offers several advantages over traditional surgical approaches to GERD treatment:
Because Dr. Sanni performs the TIF procedure through your mouth, there’s no need for external incisions, resulting in less pain, a shorter recovery time, and a reduced risk of complications.
Unlike some surgical treatments that alter the anatomy of the stomach or esophagus, TIF restores the natural function of your LES without major structural changes.
Most of our patients can resume their normal activities within a few days to a week after the procedure.
Clinical studies have shown that TIF can significantly reduce or eliminate GERD symptoms in many patients, allowing them to discontinue or reduce the use of acid-reducing medications.
If you suffer from chronic acid reflux, the TIF procedure can give you the hope and relief you’ve been looking for. It could very well lead to a life free from acid reflux discomfort.
To book a consultation, call our friendly staff today at 201-565-0876 or contact our Snellville, Georgia, office online to request an appointment.
