News Information

Schneck Medical Center First in Area to Perform Incisionless Surgery to Treat Heartburn
July 28, 2010

Surgery without an incision is now a possibility. The new Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication procedure or TIF® using the innovative EsophyX® device for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is now available at Schneck Medical Center.

Dr. Robert Cooper and Dr. Luyen Le are the first specialists in the area to be trained on the TIF procedure. “The TIF procedure with the EsophyX device can significantly improve quality of life for our patients,” said Dr. Cooper. “GERD is an anatomical problem which needs an anatomical solution. Reflux medication like PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) can help relieve patients' heartburn symptoms but don't solve the underlying anatomical problems or prevent further disease progression. Even on PPIs, many patients are still unable to eat the foods they want or have to sleep sitting up to reduce nighttime reflux.

“In addition, recent studies have shown that long term use of PPIs can lead to inadequate absorption of minerals such as calcium and can result in bone fractures. After the EsophyX TIF procedure, clinical trials show that most patients can eat and drink foods they avoided for many years. Reflux no longer impacts their life like it previously did,” said Dr. Le.

EsophyX is based on established principles of surgical repair of the antireflux barrier, except that it is “surgery from within” performed transorally (through the mouth). The EsophyX TIF procedure reduces hiatal hernia and creates a valve between the stomach and esophagus restoring the natural, physiological anatomy to prevent gastroesophageal reflux. Because the procedure is incisionless, there is reduced pain, reduced recovery and no visible scar.

The EsophyX TIF procedure represents the next step in the evolution of surgery. Laparoscopy reduced the skin incisions typical of open surgery to a minimally invasive three-to-five port holes. However, laparoscopy still involves the same internal incisions and organ dissection as open surgery. EsophyX TIF requires neither internal incisions nor dissection. EsophyX lowers the hurdle for receiving an anatomical restoration of the antireflux barrier and allows earlier intervention.
With millions of Americans diagnosed with GERD and not fully satisfied with their treatment options, EsophyX offers an excellent alternative.

“Recent studies of EsophyX have shown that the procedure can reduce patients’ dependency on medications with 70% of patients remaining symptom free after two years and experiencing a dramatic improvement in their quality of life,” said Cooper. “We are very excited to be able to offer our patients the same incredible benefits as more invasive procedures without incisions.”

For more information, contact Pam Kershner, Director of Surgical Services at Schneck Medical Center. Or visit www.endogastricsolutions.com