The Memorial Heartburn Center offers a variety of procedures to treat GERD, including:
Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF)
Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) is a minimally invasive treatment for GERD. The TIF procedure is performed from inside the patient’s stomach without incisions. This procedure repairs the anti-reflux barrier by reducing a paraoesophageal hernia (≤2cm) and creating a valve 2-4 cm in length and greater than 270-degree circumferential wrap. It restores the dynamics of the angle of HIS.
Advantages of TIF
- Minimally invasive
- Endoscopic procedure
- No scars
- Fast recovery
- Does not limit future treatment options
Disadvantage of TIF
- Paraoesophageal hernias cannot be >2cm
STRETTA
STRETTA therapy is a minimally invasive procedure performed with an EGD. The STRETTA procedure treats the lower esophageal sphincter muscle with radiofrequency energy bursts that stimulate the regenerative growth of the muscle tissue. This allows for the muscle to become thicker to reduce reflux.
Advantages of STRETTA
- Minimally invasive
- Endoscopic procedure
- No scars
- Fast recovery
- Does not alter anatomy
- Does not limit future treatment options
Disadvantages of STRETTA
- Difficulty belching
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Difficulty swallowing
LINX
The LINX system uses a small flexible band of interlocking titanium beads with magnetic cores that fits around the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) to provide resistance to opening by the gastric pressures, thus preventing reflux. The LINX device will release the magnetic beads when swallowing fluids and solids allowing them to pass normally into the stomach. After swallowing, the magnetic beads will come together to close the LES, preventing any reflux after eating or drinking.
Advantages of LINX
- Minimally invasive
- Reduction in reflux
- Improvement in heartburn and regurgitation
- Reduction or elimination of meds
- Implant can be removed
- Additional treatments available
Disadvantages of LINX
- Implantable device
- Allergies to nickel, titanium, stainless steel or ferrous metals
- May not be able to belch or regurgitate
- Weight restriction for 30 days
Nissen Fundoplication
Nissen Fundoplication is a laparoscopic procedure in which the upper portion of the stomach is wrapped around the LES to strengthen the sphincter to prevent acid reflux and to repair a paraoesophageal hernia. The Nissen procedure will strengthen the area of the weakened lower esophagus, which allows for the stomach acids to flow up into the esophagus instead of containing these acids in through the down-stream digestive system.
Advantages of Nissen
- Minimally invasive
- Reduction of reflux
- Improvement in heartburn and regurgitation
- Reduction/elimination of GERD Medication
Disadvantages of Nissen
- 1-2 night stay in hospital
- Weight restriction for 30 days
- Modified diet post-op
- Few additional treatment options left
- Persistent dysphagia
To schedule an appointment with a GERD specialist, call 575.532.4373