Relief From Acid Reflux Without Surgical Incision

Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF®) is a new surgical procedure that offers relief from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) without surgical incisions. The TIF procedure is a less invasive restoration of the anti-reflux barrier that does not require internal incisions or dissection. Most patients are able to return home the next day and return to work and normal activities within a few days.

During the procedure, with the patient under general anesthesia, surgeons insert a device equipped with a small camera through the patient’s mouth toward the stomach. Surgeons manipulate the device to make and fasten several folds of tissue (plications) and create an anti-reflux valve at the connection of the stomach and esophagus. After two years, the majority of TIF patients are able to return to eating foods that they could not previously tolerate and are able to stop taking medication.

Candidates for the TIF Procedure

Patients suffering from GERD are candidates for the TIF procedure if they:

  • Regularly experience troublesome symptoms of GERD
  • No longer respond adequately to pharmaceutical therapies
  • Are concerned about the long-term effects of taking proton pump inhibitors
  • Are considering surgery but are concerned about complications and potential side effects of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery

Benefits of the TIF Procedure

Benefits of the TIF procedure include:

  • No external skin incisions or scarring
  • No internal cutting, leading to a more rapid recovery
  • Does not limit future treatment options
  • Can be revised if required