Patients suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), have a new treatment option that repairs the cause of GERD without requiring incisions. The TIF (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication) procedure uses a specialized endoscope called EsophyX which allows the surgeon to repair the anatomical defects that cause GERD without incisions in the abdominal wall. The EsophyX device is inserted through the patient’s mouth and is used to restore function to the valve at the base of the esophagus usually responsible for chronic acid reflux.
Proven Treatment with a New Approach
For many years, surgical fundoplication has been the most effective treatment for chronic GERD. TIF EsophyX builds upon the success of the fundoplication at treating the root cause of GERD in the same way as traditional methods but adding the advantages of incisionless surgery. This approach provides an outstanding long term solution for GERD that:
- Eliminates heartburn in over 85% of patients
- Eliminates the need for proton pump inhibitors (PPI) medication in 79% of patients
- Shortens recovery time and reduces patient discomfort
- 80% improvement in quality of life when compared to long-term PPI therapy
- Reduces hiatal hernia in 89% of patients
- Allows for earlier intervention and can be revised if necessary
Improved Quality of Life
GERD is most commonly treated with medications called Proton Pump Inhibitors or PPIs. Unfortunately, GERD is a progressive disease and the effectiveness of these medications can diminish over time. Recent studies of TIF EsophyX patients show that almost 80% can discontinue daily reflux medication following the procedure. A similar number of TIF EsophyX patients report an improvement in the quality of their life, high levels of satisfaction, and dramatic decreases or complete elimination of heartburn symptoms.
Benefits of the TIF EsophyX Procedure
- Long-term treatment of GERD
- Symptoms of heartburn eliminated in 85% of patients
- 79% of TIF patients remain off PPI medications 2 years after the procedure
- Results similar to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication
- Fewer side effects than surgical procedures requiring incisions
- Most patients return to normal activity the same day