Am I an Ideal Candidate for the TIF® Procedure to Treat GERD?
8/15/2022
In the event you or a family member suffers from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you understand that this digestive disease can cause discomfort and often make day-to-day living burdensome. The good news is you don’t have to continue living with persistent acid reflux. It is possible to relieve the symptoms of GERD with transoral incisionless fundoplication, also called the TIF procedure for reflux. For more information about how this GERD treatment approach might help alleviate your acid reflux symptoms or to locate a specialist who performs the TIF procedure in Denver, CO, please contact Colorado Gastroenteorogy today.
What exactly is GERD?
You might be experiencing GERD if you notice bouts of severe acid reflux a few times a week or mild to moderate acid reflux several times a week. While the disease generally impacts adults who are 40 or older, it’s possible to develop gastroesophageal reflux disease if you:
- Drink alcohol or use tobacco
- Drink coffee
- Eat large amounts of food late at night
- Are pregnant
- Are obese
- Lay down right after eating
- Have scleroderma or a hiatal hernia
- Routinely eat spicy foods
Though you can attempt to avoid consuming foods and other known triggers to minimize GERD symptoms, medical intervention may be the ideal option. Our GI team can refer you to a provider who offers the TIF procedure in Denver, CO as a treatment option for chronic acid reflux.
How does transoral incisionless fundoplication work?
Transoral incisionless fundoplication is a minimally invasive, advanced treatment performed to address gastroesophageal reflux disease. This procedure reinforces the tissue between the upper stomach and esophagus to improve the ability of the gastroesophageal junction to function properly.
The TIF procedure is repeatedly sought out and considered an attractive option since there are no metal implants or incisions, and the healing period is commonly quick.
This is also considered a safe option that can help patients who have not been able to enjoy acid reflux relief obtain the treatment they require.
Is the TIF procedure ideal for me?
In the event you believe the TIF procedure could be the right solution for your health, we urge you to request a treatment consultation at a Colorado Gastroenterology location near you. Our skilled gastroenterologists can help you understand if this solution is right for your GI needs.
During the course of your private consultation, GI specialists will review your symptoms and health history to decide if this is the ideal GERD treatment for you. You might also need to have additional testing to gauge whether or not you are a candidate for the TIF procedure. Such tests may involve endoscopy, an esophageal motility study, and esophageal acid exposure testing.
The TIF procedure may be recommended if you:
- Do not have a hiatal hernia larger than one inch
- Want to avert the side effects of acid reflux medication
- Have GERD even after modifying your diet and lifestyle
- Experience acid regurgitation or other symptoms of GERD
- Have persistent heartburn
Find relief from acid reflux with a TIF specialist
If you have been diagnosed with long-term acid reflux or GERD, you likely find it difficult to enjoy daily life. If other treatment protocols have failed to reduce these symptoms, the TIF procedure for reflux may be an appropriate option for you. To get care for GERD or find a TIF specialist in Denver, CO, please reach out to our team at Colorado Gastroenterology.