The Mickle Center Offers Alternatives to Surgery That Can Provide Permanent Relief of Gerd Symptoms
While surgical fundoplication is the best way to cure GERD for most patients, for a variety of reasons some people are unable to have an operation. Mickle Center expert surgeon, Dr. Sharona Ross, is often able to offer these patients other treatments for GERD that do not involve surgery. These treatments use endoscopy, where a scope with a light and other instruments is inserted through the mouth. The scope is directed down to the lower esophageal sphincter, where the esophagus meets the stomach, to correct the anatomical changes that cause GERD.
These endoscopic treatments are also called transoral approaches because the procedures are performed through the mouth. While patients are under general anesthesia, no cuts are made to tissues during these procedures.
Endoscopic Treatments for Gerd Offered at DHI Include:
Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF)
Transoral incisionless fundoplication is an endoscopic treatment performed through the mouth. The endoscope allows the surgeon to place an EsophyX device where the esophagus meets the stomach. EsophyX creates a 270 degree wrap similar to a surgical Toupet fundoplication. This wrap strengthens the closure between the esophagus and the stomach so that reflux no longer occurs.
TIF is an outpatient procedure, and patients need little-to-no recovery time afterwards. While TIF is not right for every patient, it can greatly benefit some. It is associated with high success rates, and some studies have shown it has results similar to those of surgical fundoplication procedures. The large majority of patients who have a TIF procedure find enough relief from GERD symptoms to be able to stop taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
To view actual footage of this surgical procedure, please visit the PROCEDURE VIDEOS and ADDITIONAL RESOURCES page in the for medical professionals section of the site.
Stretta Procedure
Another endoscopic approach to treat GERD is the Stretta procedure. It involves a thin tube called a catheter inserted through the mouth and down to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The catheter delivers low radiofrequency energy that heats the tissues of the LES and the part of the stomach joined to the LES. The physician can use this heat to reshape these parts of the anatomy. The result is that the LES works better at keeping acid contents out of the esophagus.
Many patients experience a decrease in GERD symptoms after having a Stretta procedure. The procedure typically provides relief for at least five years, and many patients are able to stop taking PPIs. It is an effective option, especially for those who have previously undergone a sleeve gastrectomy weight-loss procedure.
To view actual footage of this surgical procedure, please visit the PROCEDURE VIDEOS and ADDITIONAL RESOURCES page in the for medical professionals section of the site.
Are you in need of treatment for an esophageal condition and want to find out if minimally invasive surgery could help you? Call the Digestive Health Institute at Call813-615-7030 for an appointment.
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All the surgeons at the Digestive Health Institute (DHI) have a large depth of experience in offering minimally invasive surgery.
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