Relief From Acid Reflux Without Surgical Incision
Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) is a surgical procedure that offers relief from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) without surgical incisions. Lorenzo Sampson, MD, General Surgeon, is the only physician at Aiken Regional who offers this procedure. TIF is a less invasive restoration of the anti-reflux barrier that does not require internal incisions or dissection. Most patients are able to return home the next day and return to work and normal activities within a few days.
During the procedure, with the patient under general anesthesia, surgeons insert a device equipped with a small camera through the patient’s mouth toward the stomach. Surgeons manipulate the device to make and fasten several folds of tissue (plications) and create an anti-reflux valve at the connection of the stomach and esophagus. The majority of TIF patients are able to return to eating foods that they could not previously tolerate and are able to stop taking medication two years after the procedure.
Candidates for TIF
If you suffer from GERD, you may be a candidate for TIF if you:
- Regularly experience troublesome symptoms of GERD
- No longer respond adequately to pharmaceutical therapies
- Are concerned about the long-term effects of taking proton pump inhibitors
- Are considering surgery but are concerned about complications and potential side effects of laparoscopic antireflux surgery
Benefits of TIF
Benefits of TIF include:
- No external skin incisions or scarring
- No internal cutting, leading to a more rapid recovery
- No limitation to future treatment options
- Can be revised if needed
Get Treatment for Gastrointestinal Disorders at the Endoscopy Center
The Endoscopy Center is located on the third floor at Aiken Regional Medical Centers.
Contact the Director of Surgical Services and the Endoscopy Center, at 803-641-5131 for more information.