A new form of surgery, called transoral incisionless fundoplication, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2007. Unlike traditional acid reflux surgery, transoral incisionless fundoplication doesn’t require an incision.
The surgery repairs the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach. The surgeon goes through the mouth and down the esophagus to repair the sphincter.
Surgeons are undergoing training in the new procedure at hospitals such as Allegan General Hospital, located at Linn Street, Allegan, MI. The surgery is also offered by the GERD program of Long Island Minimally Invasive Surgery, located on Long Island, New York.
A two year study of the procedure concluded:
The results at 2 years supported the long-term safety and durability of TIF and its sustained effect on the elimination of heartburn, esophagitis, ?2 cm hiatal hernia, and daily dependence on PPIs.
