TIF Procedure: An Effective Way To Treat Chronic Acid Reflux

The TIF or Transoral incisionless fundoplication procedure is an effective way of treating chronic acid reflux. It is an alternative method to the more invasive surgical procedures for treating acid reflux or GERD. To know more about the TIF procedure, keep reading!

TIF or Transoral incisionless fundoplication procedure is an advanced endoscopy procedure that offers relief from chronic acid reflux or heartburn symptoms associated with chronic GERD.⁽¹⁾ This procedure is less invasive, takes a shorter treatment time, causes less pain, and results in faster recovery as compared to laparoscopic surgery. TIF procedure is performed from inside the stomach of the patient without incisions.

Check below to know about the basic steps involved with the TIF procedure.

• The patient receives anesthesia medications to ensure that they fall asleep and are unaware while the TIF procedure is taking place.
• The doctor inserts the gastroscope inside the mouth of the patient to view the inside of the stomach and esophagus.
• Then the doctor identifies the key anatomy, i.e. the stomach and esophagus. Using the tools the doctor will wrap the gastric fundus( a top piece of the stomach) present around the esophagus.
• Then the doctor will deploy special fasteners for securing the newly created valve.
• Once the TIF procedure gets completed, the doctor will remove the tools

Some of the common short-term side effects of the TIF procedure are listed below.

• Sore throat
• Minimal chest pain
• Shoulder pain
• Minimal chance of bleeding

Follow the below-mentioned points before you prepare for the TIF procedure.

• The patient will undergo pH monitoring or Bravo test, which documents the severity of the condition.
• A special video X-ray test is also required to be undergone for examining the anatomy. This can help the doctor to assess the size of a hiatal hernia if any.
• Do not drink or eat for 12 hours before the TIF procedure for clearing the esophagus.
• The doctor should know if the patient suffers from allergies.

Make sure to follow the instructions of the doctor for any prescription medications.

You need to follow certain tips after the TIF procedure. Check the below tips.

• Avoid coughing or vomiting. For preventing this, you might be prescribed anti-nausea medications regularly after the procedure.
• Avoid small bites and thoroughly chew while eating solid foods.
• Avoid using straws.
• Refrain from smoking.

Since the TIF procedure is a new approach, there are still not enough long-term studies about the effectiveness of the procedure. However, according to a study conducted in the year 2019, it has been found that about 42% of patients did not require PPIs or proton pump inhibitors for up to 10 years after the TIF surgery.⁽²⁾

Another study conducted in 2020 followed patients for 5 years after undergoing the procedure of TIF and it found that more than 75% of the patients reported satisfaction with the procedure and also found reduced use of PPI.⁽³⁾

So, the TIF procedure is a non-invasive treatment/surgery for treating chronic acid reflux and can be performed in just a brief period. So, if you experience chronic acid reflux or GERD, you may as your doctor about this treatment option.

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• What Not to Eat with GERD?
• What Tests are Used to Diagnose GERD?
• What Foods Should You Avoid If You Have GERD?
• How Effective is Prilosec for GERD & What are its Side Effects, Dosage?
• Does GERD Always Lead to Cancer?