The transoral incisionless fundoplication procedure is an effective solution for chronic acid reflux. It is a minimally invasive treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that is performed in the outpatient setting. Nathan Emerson, MD, has specialized training in endoscopic reflux surgery to help treat acid reflux.
What causes GERD?
GERD is a complex process but is ultimately a disorder of a failing gastroesophageal junction. The tissue of the gastroesophageal junction becomes stretched and thinned until it is no longer able to hold back the pressure created by the muscular stomach.
If my medications for GERD aren’t working well, what else can I do?
Lifestyle changes can help to reduce GERD symptoms in many patients. These include decreasing meal size and eating earlier in the day. Patients with GERD symptoms also have some success sleeping in a more upright position. However, in many cases, these lifestyle measures aren’t enough even in combination with medications. These patients should at least consider surgery for GERD, including endoscopic and/or laparoscopic robotic procedures.
If medications are working to control my GERD, then why consider surgery at all?
Every medication has side effects, including those that control stomach acid. Your physician can discuss these with you in detail during an office visit. Furthermore, a lifetime of anti-GERD medications can be quite expensive. Some insurance companies are resistant to paying for the medication that may be most effective for you.
What are my surgical options for acid reflux treatment?
The surgeons here offer the full array of anti-reflux procedures, including the transoral incisionless fundoplication, robotic hiatal hernia repair and a traditional Nissen procedure. We would be happy to discuss all of your options in detail during your visit to our surgery clinic in Grapevine.
TIF procedure
The TIF (transoral incisionless fundoplication) procedure is an effective solution for chronic acid reflux. It is a minimally invasive treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that is performed in the outpatient setting. The TIF procedure is performed from inside the patient’s stomach without incisions and delivers patient outcomes similar to those provided by conventional ARS procedures. However, the TIF procedure is less invasive, has fewer adverse effects and does not limit future treatment options for acid reflux.
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