TIF Procedure
Do you have chronic heartburn or acid reflux? Have you been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Are you struggling to control your GERD symptoms with dietary and lifestyle changes and medicine?
There’s a new, exciting treatment option, called the TIF Procedure, short for Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication. Dr. Blaine Cashmore is one of two general surgeons in Utah certified to perform this less invasive anti-reflux procedure.
The TIF Procedure is a simple intervention that repairs the gastroesophageal valve, the root cause of GERD.
In studies:
- 90% of patients experienced a reduction of troublesome regurgitation
- 88% of patients experienced elimination of all daily atypical symptoms
- And 71% of patients completely stopped taking their PPIs
Most importantly, these positive outcomes remained stable during the three-year follow-up period.
The TIF procedure has an excellent safety profile. It has been performed on more than 20,000 patients worldwide with a low complication rate of under one-half of one percent (0.5%). Clinical studies demonstrate that TIF patients rarely experienced long-term side-effects commonly associated with traditional procedures.
PPI medications offer safe and effective short term relief for heartburn symptoms. Unfortunately, even while on medications for years, many patients are still unable to eat the foods they want or must sleep sitting up to reduce nighttime reflux; patients frequently become dissatisfied with GERD-related lifestyle adjustments. The media has regularly reported on studies associating complications with long-term use of PPIs—chronic kidney disease, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, interference with Plavix®, intestinal infections, and dementia.
If you or someone you know suffers with chronic GERD and would like to be evaluated for the TIF procedure, please contact us to schedule a consultation.
The TIF procedure may not be appropriate for your condition and results may vary. Talk to your doctor about benefits and risks.
What Causes Reflux?
Reflux is caused by changes in the gastroesophageal valve (GEV) that allow acid to flow back from the stomach into the esophagus. The GEV is the body’s natural anti-reflux barrier.
- Functional GEV: Valve closes to prevent reflux of acid and non-acid stomach fluids
- Dysfunctional GEV: Valve is unable to close, allowing stomach fluids to reflux into esophagus
The TIF Procedure for reflux treats the underlying cause of GERD without incisions. It rebuilds the anti-reflux valve and restores the body’s natural protection against reflux.
What to Expect?
Before the Procedure, Dr. Cashmore will determine if you are a candidate by having you undergo diagnostic testing. You will receive instructions on when to stop eating and drinking just prior to the TIF procedure.
During the Procedure, the TIF procedure is performed under general anesthesia and generally takes less than an hour. A device and scope are introduced together through your mouth and advanced into the esophagus. With visualization provided, Dr. Cashmore uses the scope and device to reconstruct and form a new valve.
After the Procedure, you may be able to return home the next day as well as go back to work and resume most normal activities within a few days. You should expect to experience some discomfort in your stomach, chest, nose, and throat for three to seven days after the procedure. While your newly reconstructed valve heals, you will be on a modified diet.
Benefits of the TIF Procedure
- No external skin incisions – no scarring.
- No internal cutting or dissecting of the natural anatomy – more rapid recovery.
- Very safe. Fewer adverse events and complications than other anti-reflux surgical procedures.
- Does not limit future treatment options.
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