Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication

You may consider surgery when medications and lifestyle changes fail to relieve your chronic acid reflux. At Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute in Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Huntington Beach, California, Tahmina Haq, MD, performs transoral incisionless fundoplication, a minimally invasive procedure that eases acid reflux symptoms. Call the office nearest to you today, or request an appointment online to learn more about transoral incisionless fundoplication and how it can help you. 

What is transoral incisionless fundoplication?

Transoral incisionless fundoplication is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Transoral means through the mouth, and fundoplication means folding of the fundus, the top part of the stomach. 

For the procedure, the gastroenterologist wraps the fundus around the bottom part of the esophagus, tightening the barrier between the two organs so the acidic contents of the stomach can’t reflux up into the esophagus.

During a traditional fundoplication, the surgeon uses laparoscopic surgery to gain access to the stomach and wrap the fundus around the esophagus. This procedure requires a small incision through the abdomen.

For the transoral incisionless fundoplication, the gastroenterologist uses an endoscope inserted in the mouth to perform the procedure.

Because there are no incisions, the transoral incisionless fundoplication may cause fewer postoperative complications than the laparoscopic procedure. 

Am I a candidate for transoral incisionless fundoplication?

The gastroenterologist at Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute determines if you’re a candidate for transoral incisionless fundoplication after a consultation. Before recommending any type of surgery, your provider suggests you try lifestyle changes and medication. 

The gastroenterologist may consider you a candidate for transoral incisionless fundoplication if you continue to experience GERD symptoms after medical interventions or you can’t tolerate the medication necessary to treat it. 

What happens during transoral incisionless fundoplication?

Your gastroenterologist at Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute customizes your transoral incisionless fundoplication procedure and reviews the details at your presurgical visit.

The procedure takes about an hour. Your provider administers a sedative so you’re relaxed during surgery. They insert the special transoral incisionless fundoplication device into your mouth and advance it toward your stomach. 

They use the instrument to grasp the esophagus, pull it down, and then wrap the fundus around it. The gastroenterologist uses medical fasteners to secure the tissue and then removes the device.

What happens during recovery from transoral incisionless fundoplication? 

You need to modify your diet during recovery from transoral incisionless fundoplication. You drink liquids for a week, then soft foods, slowly advancing to your regular diet as tolerated. Most people are eating their regular diet about three weeks after surgery. 

You also need to avoid heavy lifting during his time.

Most people experience relief from their GERD symptoms for several years following transoral incisionless fundoplication.

Are you looking for a long-term solution for your GERD? Call Advanced Gastroenterology & Liver Institute or schedule an appointment online today.