Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication and EsophyX
Transoral incisionless fundoplication uses an innovative device called EsophyX to strengthen the valve at the top of the stomach without incisions through the skin.
People suffer chronic heartburn and other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) because the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve at the top of the stomach where the esophagus connects, does not close tightly or opens at inappropriate times. Strengthening this valve is the main focus of surgical treatments for GERD like laparoscopic nissen fundoplication.
Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) uses a similar technique to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter, but surgeons are able to perform TIF through the patient's mouth, eliminating the need for incisions through the skin.
While the patient is under general anesthesia, Dr. Hayes inserts the EsophyX device into the mouth and passes it down the throat and esophagus toward the stomach. The device has a tiny camera, so Dr. Hayes can guide the device and perform the surgery while viewing the area on a video monitor.
Step 1: When the EsophyX device is in position, Dr. Hayes creates a series of folds called placations in the area of the lower esophageal sphincter.
Step 2: The EsophyX device forms folds in the muscular stomach wall and fastens these folds together to create the placations.
Step 3: Dr. Hayes uses the EsophyX device to create multiple placations and reconstruct the lower esophageal sphincter.
The placations form a long, strong valve that opens to let food through and closes to prevent reflux of stomach contents.