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Incisionless Surgery to Treat Heartburn Now Performed at North Baldwin Infirmary

What may have seemed like science fiction, surgery without an incision, is now a reality that is making lives better for patients suffering from chronic acid reflux also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).  Dr. Travis Paul at North Baldwin Infirmary is the first in Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile Counties to offer the TIF (transoral incisionless fundoplication) procedure for the treatment of GERD.
“The TIF procedure with the EsophyX device can significantly improve quality of life for our patients,” Dr. Paul says. 

Long-term Use of PPIs Can Lead to Inadequate Absorption of Minerals

Many patients take reflux medications which suppress acid production such as PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) to help relieve their heartburn symptoms and are still unable to eat the foods they want or have to sleep sitting up to reduce nighttime reflux. Dr. Paul says that long-term use of PPIs can lead to inadequate absorption of minerals such as calcium, which leads to bone fractures. Additionally, PPIs can interact with other prescription medications reducing their efficacy. 

“About two years after the TIF procedure nearly 80 percent of patients are off their daily reflux medications and can eat and drink foods and beverages they avoided for many years,” Dr. Paul says. “Reflux no longer impacts their life like it previously did.”

In a healthy patient, there is a natural valve between the esophagus and the stomach that forms a physical barrier preventing stomach fluids from backwashing, or “refluxing,” up into the esophagus. In a patient with chronic GERD, this valve has become dysfunctional.

TIF Procedure Performed Through the Mouth

Dr. Paul explains that the TIF procedure reconstructs the valve between the esophagus and the stomach to prevent reflux. It is based on the same well-proven principles of conventional invasive laparoscopic GERD surgery. TIF’s advantage is that it is ‘surgery from within’ performed transorally (through the mouth). 

Reduced Pain, No Visible Scar

“Because the procedure is incisionless, there is reduced pain, no visible scar and most patients can get back to their normal activities within a few days,” he says.

"With millions of Americans diagnosed with GERD and not fully satisfied with their treatment options, the TIF procedure with the EsophyX device offers an excellent alternative." 

“We are very excited to be able to offer our patients the same benefits as more invasive procedures with only minimal risk,” Dr. Paul expresses.

Learn More, Attend a Free Seminar

To learn more about this new treatment option, attend a free seminar presented by Dr. Paul.

Call 251-580-1715 to reserve a seat.

North Baldwin Infirmary Conference Room

Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Wind Creek Casino & Hotel

303 Poarch Road Atmore, AL 36502

April 29 at 6 p.m.

View the EsophyX TIF procedure