TIF Heartburn Treatment in Birmingham, AL

What is the TIF Procedure?

The TIF procedure, or transoral incision-less fundoplication, is an advanced procedure that helps relieve heartburn or acid reflux. This procedure is typically performed for patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. TIF is a non-surgical option that could result in shorter healing, less pain, and a quicker recovery than some other traditional surgical treatments.

Dr. Cameron Askew and Dr. Andrew Sabo are experts in performing the TIF procedure to treat heartburn and acid reflux. To schedule a consultation for heartburn treatment at our general surgery center in Birmingham, AL, please call (205) 874-9780 to request your appointment today!

Breaking Down the TIF Procedure

When you experience reflux, it is typically regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus. This causes heartburn and can even cause a painful sensation. It can be very uncomfortable and interfere with your eating, lifestyle, sleep, and quality of life.

To help relieve reflux, the TIF procedure can be performed.

Breaking down the TIF Procedure: 

Transoral – Transoral refers to the procedure taking place through the mouth.

Incision-less– Means that there are no incisions during the TIF procedure, lending to quicker healing and potentially fewer complications.

Fundoplication – The top part of your stomach is called the fundus and it can be folded and sewn around the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscular valve at the bottom of your esophagus. When this is folded, it helps prevent acid from coming up into the esophagus. This folding can be done with an endoscope (the TIF procedure) or with laparoscopic surgery (the Nissen fundoplication). The benefit of the TIF procedure is that it can be done through the mouth without any external incisions.

What Conditions Can it Help Treat?

The TIF Procedure is mainly used to help those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is a common condition occurring in 20% of adults in the United States.

TIF can help restore the barrier that helps block the acid coming from the stomach back up into the esophagus. In people with GERD, the esophageal sphincter does not work normally. The sphincter is weak or relaxes inappropriately, causing uncomfortable sensations.

TIF can also help repair any hernias and prevent future complications from GERD such as Barrett’s esophagus, and esophagitis.

Am I a Candidate?

As you consider the TIF procedure, your doctor may recommend the following:

• Monitoring the Severity of your GERD – You may receive wireless pH monitoring (called a Bravo capsule test) to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure.
• Upper Endoscopy or Video X-Ray –  These tests can show the functioning of the esophagus and the valve and see if your stomach is pushing through the diaphragm, also called a hernia.
• Review Your  History – Your general surgeon will want to know your experience with acid reflux, your overall medical history, and medications you take daily.
• Discuss Your Desired Outcomes – To make sure you are on the same page as your surgeon, it is important to discuss your desired outcomes. If your medications are failing to give you the relief you need, you may be a candidate for the TIF procedure.

How is the TIF Procedure Performed?

The TIF procedure involves creating a stronger, more supportive band of tissue around the area where the stomach meets the esophagus.

The procedure typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes, but it is important to set aside a full day to prepare and recover from the procedure. You will be asked to refrain from eating or taking medications prior to the TIF procedure.

An Overview of the TIF procedure:

• You will receive anesthesia medications to ensure you’re asleep and unaware while the procedure is taking place.
• Your general surgeon will insert the gastroscope (a endoscopic tool used to view the stomach) inside your mouth to view your esophagus and stomach.
• Your general surgeon will  use their tools to wrap the gastric fundus (a top piece of your stomach) around your esophagus.
• Your general surgeon will then deploy special fasteners to secure the newly created valve.

Immediately following your procedure, you will stay in the hospital for a short observation period. Most people are discharged within 24 hours with instructions to call Your general surgeon if they have unwanted symptoms or complications.

What are the Benefits of the TIF Procedure?

If the TIF procedure effectively treats your GERD, there are several possible benefits:

• A reduced need to take medications
• Less bloating
• Healed esophagitis
• Less irritation of the lining of your esophagus
• Less invasive than other traditional surgical repairs
• Not as tight as a valve made with the Nissen procedure
• Improved quality of life