Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) refers to a surgical solution that corrects the root cause of GERD. GERD, or acid reflux disease, is the cause of an anatomic defect at the gastroesophageal valve (GEV). Visual guidance from an endoscope is required to place the EsophyX device used to reconstruct the GEV. As minimally invasive as possible, TIF is a traditional surgical procedure meant to provide a barrier to reflux while ensuring safety and effectiveness in the process.
What is Acid Reflux?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux, is a chronic digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid or contents stream back up through your esophagus and irritate the lining. Over time, the acid can wear on the lining, resulting in complications including bleeding, narrowing of the esophagus or Barret’s esophagus. Acid is a normal part of the digestive tract, but when it backs up and stays in the esophagus, complications arise. These can range from minor inflammation, to ulcers and cancers of the esophagus.
How is TIF Different Than Other Procedures?
TIF is, in fact, the same procedure a surgeon could do with a laparoscopy or performing robotic surgery, however, TIF offers an incisionless technique in which the surgeon performs the work on the inside of the body. Done under general anesthesia in a hospital setting, it is performed as a same-day procedure unlike the surgical procedures from the past which required two to three days of hospital time.
What is the Estimated Recovery Time from the TIF Procedure?
Recovery, in the sense of going back to a normal diet, is approximately six weeks. With a procedure such as TIF, swelling may be present on the inside, as a response to the procedure. In response, a soft diet is recommended for up to six weeks.
Who Is a Good Candidate for TIF?
Candidates for the procedure are patients who have either no hiatal hernias and symptoms of GERD, or small hiatal hernias approximately one inch in diameter. These candidates represent the safest and easiest to perform the TIF procedure.
Who in GANJ Performs the Procedure?
Dr. Joseph Shami is a qualified physician at GANJ who performs this procedure.
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