TIF Procedure

If you’ve been suffering from persistent symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), your doctor may recommend seeking out our TIF procedures in Las Vegas, NV. This procedure—transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF)—is a process that reconstructs the valve between your esophagus and stomach. We understand the prospect of such a procedure can feel unnerving and frightening, but Slim Vegas Bariatric is here to provide you with professionals who will ensure you remain safe and comfortable throughout the process.

What Is GERD?

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, results when the valve between your esophagus and your stomach malfunctions and is unable to keep acid-containing substances from leaking back into your esophagus, causing an incredibly painful burning sensation up and down your throat.

What are the symptoms of GERD?

So what does it look like when someone is suffering from GERD? The two most significant symptoms are acid regurgitation and frequent heartburn, although some people with gastroesophageal reflux disease experience trouble swallowing and chest pain in place of heartburn. More minor GERD symptoms include dry coughing and bad breath.

Heartburn is a side effect of acid reflux and is defined as a painful burning sensation in the middle of your chest because the acid reflux irritates the lining of your esophagus. This sensation can occur at any time but is often worse after eating, reclining, or lying flat. So what can you do if this problem persists?

How is GERD treated? 

Slim Vegas Bariatric is here to provide GERD treatment in Las Vegas. GERD is an increasingly common condition that affects roughly 20 percent of the population, so we’re well versed in identifying its symptoms and helping our patients take the next steps in their recovery.

For some cases of persistent gastroesophageal reflux disease, your doctor may refer you to us for the TIF procedure because the valve between your esophagus and stomach is malfunctioning. This process is noninvasive and will help solve your GERD with nominal recovery time. TIF stands for transoral incisionless fundoplication.

What is TIF procedure?

The TIF procedure for GERD to treat acid reflux is minimally invasive, and it ameliorates other symptoms that may have developed as you deal with the disease. The root cause of this disease is a malfunctioning valve that allows stomach acid to reach the esophagus, so our experts go in and reconstruct the malfunctioning valve.

“Transoral” refers to the fact that TIF is performed orally, and because it is “incisionless,” there is no need for incision surgery.

“Fundoplication” means the folding of the fundus, which is the tissue at the top of your stomach. Folding the fundus around the valve opening between your stomach and esophagus will help reinforce the area and prevent stomach acid from coming up and into your esophagus. When you come to us for a TIF procedure, we use an endoscope to accomplish this folding.

What are the benefits of TIF?

So why is this procedure highly recommended for those suffering from GERD? The alternative is a Nissen fundoplication procedure, which is a more invasive surgery that makes an incision at your abdomen before wrapping the fundus all around the esophagus to recreate the valve. The Nissen procedure can create side effects like difficulty swallowing, difficulty eating, hernia, or valve failure that then requires a second procedure.

TIF circumvents the myriad of problems that a Nissen procedure can cause to your body. We’ll get you on the road to recovery with minimal downtime so that you can return to your daily life as soon as possible.