Barton Health physicians, Scott Welker and Daniel Norman, are the only doctors from Sacramento to Reno to use the EsophyX Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF EsophyX), an effective alternative to medication and traditional surgery, for those with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
“If chronic GERD goes untreated it can cause serious complications,” general surgeon, Dr. Welker said. “The TIF EsophyX procedure can significantly improve quality of life for our patients. After the procedure, most patients can stop anti-reflux medications and reflux no longer impacts their life like it previously did.”
EsophyX Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication, also called TIF is performed by Dr. Welker and gastroenterologist, Dr. Norman. Both physicians are specially trained in the procedure.
“Reflux medication like PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) can help relieve patients' heartburn symptoms, but don't solve the underlying problems or prevent further progression of the disease,” Dr. Welker said. “The EsophyX procedure is designed to provide a less painful, but very effective solution to GERD.”
TIF is an incisionless procedure with reduced pain, short recovery time and no scars. The procedure restores the normal valve between the stomach and esophagus to prevent GERD. TIF is performed transorally (through the mouth). The procedure takes about an hour to complete and patients usually stay in the hospital for 24-hour-monitoring.
“With millions of Americans diagnosed with GERD, TIF offers an excellent treatment option,” Dr. Welker said. “We are very excited to be able to offer our patients the same benefits as invasive surgery, with no incisions.”
For more information about TIF EsophyX, please feel free to call Barton General Surgery at (530) 543-5691 or visit
www.bartonhealth.org/reflux.