Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by stomach acid flowing backwards into the esophagus from the stomach. This is usually prevented by the one-way valve at the top of the stomach called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
When the LES does not function properly and allows the acidic stomach content to reflux into the esophagus, surgeons reinforce the LES with a procedure called fundoplication.
Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) is similar to the laparoscopic nissen fundoplication except that TIF reconstructs the lower esophageal sphincter through the patient's mouth.
TIF is a form of natural orifice surgery and is a significant step forward in providing an effective surgical treatment for GERD without the need for incisions through the skin.
Although TIF surgery is a relatively recent innovation, extensive research has demonstrated its effectiveness in eliminating heartburn in 85% of patients. The success of the procedure allows almost 80% of patients to eliminate proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medications within two years of the procedure. In fact, two years after surgery, 60-80% of patients were able to eat whatever they liked without fear of heartburn.
The success of the procedure is such that both patients and physicians have reported a high degree of satisfaction with the procedure and its results.
Because there is no incision involved in the TIF procedure for reflux disease, recovery time and patient discomfort are reduced and patients are able to return to full activity and work within a couple of days.