TIF EsophyX GERD treatment

The UCI Health Chao Digestive Health Institute is one of a handful of institutions in the nation to offer the TIF® procedure with EsophyX®, an incision-less solution to eliminating GERD.

The EsophyX device is inserted orally with a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope to reconstruct and tighten the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the body's natural barrier to stomach acids.

The procedure, called TIF® for Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication, also effectively treats hiatal hernias of 2 centimeters or less — without the abdominal incisions or internal cutting used in standard fundoplication surgery.

The EsophyX procedure typically takes less than an hour while the patient is under general anesthesia. The EsophyX device is delivered with the endoscope to the lower esophageal sphincter, where the esophagus meets the stomach. The physician, using a high-definition camera attached to the endoscope, positions the device within the lower esophageal sphincter muscle to create a sturdy anti-reflux valve and prevent any backwash of stomach acids.

The patient is usually sent home the following day and is able to return to work and normal activities within a few days. Patients can expect to be restricted at first to liquids and then soft food for several weeks. Often they are able to discontinue antacid medications within a month after the procedure.

More than 12,000 TIF EsophyX procedures have been performed in the United States since the FDA approved the device in 2006. Studies show that the procedure is effective in controlling or eliminating reflux, and more than 70% of patients were still off medication 3-5 years after the procedure.

Benefits of TIF EsophyX

• No external incisions or scarring
• No internal cutting or dissection of natural tissues
• More rapid recovery with fewer complications
• No medications needed within a week or two after the procedure
• No reflux within a month after the procedure
• Improves quality of life (sleeping, food choices, eating late)
• Doesn’t limit future treatment options
• Can be revised if necessary

You don't have to live with GERD and a lifetime of medication. UCI Health esophageal disease experts work with you to develop a personal care plan to ensure your health and quality of life.

Check with your health insurer to determine whether this procedure is covered.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call us at 888-717-4463.