GERD Treatment (TIF)
TIF, or transoral incisionless fundoplication, is a procedure that offers relief for patients suffering from chronic acid or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
In a healthy patient, there is a natural valve between the esophagus and the stomach that forms a physical barrier to prevent stomach fluids from backwashing, or “refluxing” into the esophagus. In a patient with chronic GERD, this valve does not function correctly. Many patients take reflux medications such as PPIs (proton pump inhibitors), but even with PPIs they may not be able to eat the foods they like or they may still experience persistent and painful belching, which interrupts their lifestyle as well as sleep.
With the TIF procedure, the gastroenterologist will go through the mouth to reconstruct the valve between the esophagus and the stomach to prevent reflux. With no incision or visible scar, patients often experience less pain and can return to normal activities quicker. An improved quality of life, an end to troublesome regurgitation, and a stop to PPI therapy are some of the benefits patients have reported in clinical studies.
More than 3 million cases per year of acid reflux are reported in the United States. If you are troubled by reflux, belching or any of these symptoms, talk with your doctor to see if the TIF procedure is right for you. For assistance finding a gastroenterologist who is trained in the TIF procedure, call Davis Regional’s physician referral line at (704) 838-7567.