Could You Be A Good Candidate for the TIF® Procedure to Treat GERD?

8/15/2022

If you or your child has been diagnosed with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), you know that this gastrointestinal condition can cause discomfort and often make daily life challenging. The good news is you no longer have to continue enduring ongoing acid reflux. At Arizona Digestive Health, it is possible to minimize the symptoms of GERD with transoral incisionless fundoplication, better known as the TIF procedure for reflux. For additional information about whether this GERD treatment option might help alleviate your acid reflux symptoms or to partner with a specialist who offers the TIF procedure in Phoenix, AZ, please request an appointment with our GI team today.

What are the risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease?

You might be affected by GERD if you experience episodes of severe acid reflux a few times a week or mild to moderate acid reflux several times a week. Although it commonly impacts adults aged 40 or above, you could possibly develop GERD if you:

  • Have excess body fat
  • Routinely eat spicy foods
  • Have a hiatal hernia or scleroderma
  • Drink alcohol or use tobacco
  • Are pregnant
  • Lay down right after eating
  • Drink coffee
  • Eat large amounts of food late at night

Though you can do your best to avoid consuming foods and additional known triggers to reduce the symptoms of GERD, medical intervention may be necessary. Our practice is proud to offer the TIF procedure in Phoenix, AZ as an option for treating chronic cases of reflux.

How does the TIF procedure work?

The TIF procedure is a minimally invasive treatment protocol performed to address GERD. This procedure reconstructs the lining of the upper stomach and esophagus to improve the ability of the gastroesophageal junction to function properly.

Transoral incisionless fundoplication is repeatedly sought out and considered an attractive solution as there are no metal implants or incisions, and the recovery period is generally fast.

Transoral incisionless fundoplication is also regarded as a safe procedure that can enable those who have not been able to experience acid reflux relief to get the care they need.

Is the TIF procedure an ideal option for me?

If you think the TIF procedure might be the ideal solution for you, we urge you to request an appointment at an Arizona Digestive Health location near you. Our skilled GI specialists can help you decide if this method is right for your condition.

During a personalized consultation, our Phoenix, AZ TIF specialists will go over your symptoms and health history to ascertain if this is the right GERD treatment for you. You might also require further testing to assess if you are a candidate for the TIF procedure. Such diagnostics might involve esophageal acid exposure testing, endoscopy, and an esophageal motility study.

You may qualify for the TIF procedure if you:

  • Experience acid regurgitation or other symptoms of GERD
  • Have chronic heartburn
  • Have GERD even after diet and lifestyle modifications
  • Do not have a hiatal hernia bigger than one inch
  • Wish to avert the side effects associated with acid reflux medication

Get relief from acid reflux with a TIF specialist

In the event you have been diagnosed with chronic acid reflux or GERD, you likely find it challenging to enjoy daily life. If other treatment strategies haven’t helped reduce these symptoms, the TIF procedure for reflux at Arizona Digestive Health may be the ideal option for you. To find treatment for GERD or consult a provider who offers transoral incisionless fundoplication in Phoenix, AZ, reach out to our team today.