EsophyXTM - Trans Oral Incision-less Fundoplication (TIF)
Fort Worth LAP-BAND is pleased announced the addition of a new non-invasive procedure for surgical treatment of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) called EsophyX.
If you suffer from heartburn you are not alone. Approximately 14 million Americans experience symptoms of GERD, including heartburn and esophageal inflammation on a daily basis. If you have heartburn twice a week or more you may have GERD. Heartburn is the most common symptom associated with GERD but you may also experience:
- Inflammation and/or ulceration of the esophagus
- Hoarseness or sore throat
- Excessive clearing of the throat
- Frequent swallowing
- Persistent cough
- Asthma or asthma-like symptoms
- Burning in the mouth or throat
- Pain or discomfort in the chest
- Intolerance to certain foods
- Yellow fluid or stains on your pillow after sleep
- Dental erosions or therapy-resistant
Frequently Asked Questions
- What causes GERD?
- How is GERD Treated?
- What is EsophyX?
- How Effective is the EsophyX Procedure?
- What Will I Eat After the Procedure?
- Will Insurance Cover the EsophyX Procedure?
- How do I schedule an appointment?
1. What causes GERD?
Gastro esophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus. The LES is a ring of muscle at the bottom of the esophagus that acts like a valve between the esophagus and stomach. The esophagus carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
When refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. The fluid may even be tasted in the back of the mouth, and this is called acid indigestion. Occasional heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean one has GERD. Heartburn that occurs more than twice a week may be considered GERD, and it can eventually lead to more serious health problems.
2. How is GERD Treated?
Medication:
Most people with GERD manage their disease with medications like H2 blockers such as Pepcid®, Tagamet® and Zantac® and/or Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) such as Nexium®, Aciphex® and Protonix®. Since pharmacological therapy does not treat the underlying root causes of reflux, the deteriorated anatomy of the antireflux barrier, life-long medication therapy is required.
Surgery:
Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (commonly referred to as Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication) involves reinforcing the "valve" between the esophagus and the stomach by wrapping the upper portion of the stomach around the lowest portion of the esophagus. Although the Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication procedure is highly effective, it is also very invasive, despite the laparoscopic surgical approach. For this reason, less than 1% of the patients choose surgical therapy to repair the anatomical defect(s) that cause GERD.
3. What is EsophyX?
The EsophyX Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) procedure is a new, novel surgical procedure for the treatment of GERD. The TIF procedure is based on the principles of surgical repair of the anti-reflux barrier and is intended to deliver similar benefits as the time-proven Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication.
The main difference between the Laparoscopic approach and EsophyX is that EsophyX is non-invasive as it is performed through the mouth and is incisionless.
Please view the EosphyX movie and Patient Brochure found in the
Library.
4. How Effective is the EsophyX Procedure??
In recent studies of EsophyX, patients reported 80% improvement in quality of life,significantly improved satisfaction, and reduction/elimination of heartburn symptoms. All patients discontinued medication after the EsophyX procedure and 80% were still completely off daily medication and symptom free one year after the procedure.
Over 400 EsophyX procedures have been successfully performed worldwide.
5. What Will I Eat After the Procedure?
The strength of the new valve is largely determined by how well it heals during the first 12 weeks post operatively. In order to allow to allow for the tissue fold that have been created at the junction of the stomach and the esophagus, patients are put on a liquid/soft food diet for two weeks, we recommend the
Bariatric Advantage Meal Replacement. You will then progress to mushy protein, easing into soft, and high protein foods thereafter.
6. Will Insurance Cover the EsophyX Procedure?
The procedure may or may not be covered by your insurance plan as all plans differ. Since the procedure is new in the United States no CPT code exists. We will submit the paperwork for you to your insurance company.
Financing options are available. Apply now for
CareCredit or contact
Heather Earheart our Finance Advocate for more details.
7. How do I schedule an appointment?
Call 817-850-1100