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Home / Medical Services / Gastroenterology / Conditions & Treatments A–Z / TIF Procedure

TIF Procedure

Gastroenterology
Gastroenterology

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An Incisionless Solution for Acid Reflux

Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) is a procedure that treats LPR and GERD at its source. This incisionless approach uses a specialized device to rebuild the anti-reflux valve and restore the body’s natural protection against acid reflux.

By accessing the gastroesophageal junction through the mouth, there are no scars, minimizing complications and possibly leading to a quicker recovery.

ICON_pdf Download TIF Brochure

Why TIF?

Dr. Arslan Kahloon explains how Erlanger’s TIF procedure treats the underlying cause of acid reflux without incisions. The procedure takes about 40 minutes and allows patients to go home within 24 hours.

Is the TIF Procedure Effective?

Yes.

In a 2016 study, 90% of patients experienced a reduction of their symptoms below the LPR threshold. More than 88% of patients experienced elimination of all daily troublesome atypical symptoms. And 71% of patients were able to completely stop taking their PPIs after the TIF procedure.

Is the TIF Procedure Safe?

The TIF procedure has an excellent safety profile

It has been performed on more than 20,000 patients with minimal complications. Clinical studies demonstrate that TIF patients rarely experience long-term side effects commonly associated with traditional antireflux surgery such as chronic dysphagia (trouble swallowing), gas bloat syndrome and increased flatulence.

What are the Benefits of the TIF Procedure?

Benefits include

  • No external skin incisions – no scarring
  • No internal cutting or dissecting of the natural anatomy – more rapid recovery
  • Very safe. Fewer adverse complications than other antireflux surgical procedures
  • Does not limit future treatment options.

What to Expect Before, During, and After the TIF Procedure?

  1. Before the procedure - Your physician will determine if you are a candidate by having you undergo diagnostic testing. You will receive instructions on when to stop eating and drinking just prior to the TIF procedure.
  2. During the procedure - The TIF procedure is performed under general anesthesia and generally takes less than an hour. The Esophyx device and an endoscope are introduced together through your mouth (transorally) and advanced into the esophagus. With visualization provided by the endoscope, the surgeon uses the Esophyx device to reconstruct and form a new valve.
  3. After the procedure - You may be able to return home the next day as well as go back to work and resume most normal activities within a few days. You should expect to experience some discomfort in your stomach, chest, nose, and throat for three to seven days after the procedure. While your newly reconstructed valve heals, you will be on a modified diet.

Virginia's Story

"Life Changing"

Virginia Bizzell shares how the TIF procedure (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication) was a game changer in eliminating pain and acid reflux caused by a hiatal hernia. She no longer wakes up feeling "on fire" and is medication-free.

"Having suffered from GERD for most of my adult life, I routinely experienced episodes of reflux on a weekly, and sometimes more frequent, basis. I reached out to Dr. Kahloon and underwent the procedure in December of 2021. Since the procedure and with a few minor lifestyle changes, it has become an extremely rare occasion that I experience any symptoms of reflux and, in those instances, they are much milder. I highly recommend that sufferers of reflux consider this procedure."
— Jeffrey N. Woodard