Common acid reflux often progresses into Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), which affects tens of millions of Americans. After a breakdown of the natural anti-reflux barrier between the stomach and mouth, stomach acid or intestinal bile travels from the stomach to the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, irritation, belching, difficulty swallowing, sore throat, hoarseness and food regurgitation.
Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) is a new, effective solution for GERD patients who would traditionally need daily medications or invasive surgery to manage their condition. Approved by the FDA in 2007, the procedure surgically repairs the anti-reflux barrier transorally, or through the mouth.
It reduces hiatal hernia and re-creates a valve between the stomach and esophagus. Instead of using incisions or dissection, the surgeon implants a flexible Esophyx™ device to create a tight sealing valve for the esophagus, preventing acid reflux. Compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery, there is reduced pain and recovery time, and no scar.
GERD sufferers often treat their condition with Proton Pump Inhibitor medication, or PPIs, which fail to address further disease progression. Another downside is a recent FDA report titled “Possible Increased Risk of Bone Fractures With Certain Antacid Drugs,” which cites increased hip, wrist and spine fractures reported in long-term PPI studies.
Drs. Darren Rohan and Radu Constantine, of Hudson Valley Surgical Specialists, are the first physicians in Ulster County to be trained on the TIF procedure.
To find out if you are a candidate for TIF, call Hudson Valley Surgical Specialists at (845) 331-1235.
