“Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication”
"NOTES FOR GERD"
"NO SCALPEL, NO STITCHES, NO SCAR"
It is a minimally invasive procedure for GERD. Unlike the laparoscopic fundoplication that requires incisions in the abdomen, transoral incisionless fundoplication is performed through the mouth, without incisions.
During the procedure, a surgeon inserts a device called the EsophyX® through the mouth, gently advancing it down the throat and through the esophagus to the area where it meets the stomach, known as gastroesophageal junction. With the guidance of a video camera located inside the EsophyX®, the surgeon creates sutures and tissue folds around the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, ultimately tightening and repairing it.
This procedure is performed using general anesthesia and takes up to one hour. You can typically go home the day after surgery and resume your normal activities within a few days.
Temporary side effects include sore throat, shoulder pain from nerve irritation, difficulty swallowing, and, possibly, nausea or vomiting. Recent studies show that most people no longer need to take GERD medications after transoral incisionless fundoplication & the majority of people are still not taking medication two years after the procedure.