Indiana's First Incisionless Surgery To Treat Heartburn Performed At Goshen Health System

Main Category: Acid Reflux / GERD
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics;  Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Article Date: 09 Aug 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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Surgery without an incision is now possible. Yesterday Goshen General Hospital and Drs. Mark Ranzinger and Norbert Schwer, of Gerig Surgical Associates and medical staff at Goshen General Hospital, became the first hospital and surgeons in Indiana to perform an incisionless surgery to treat heartburn.

Over 40 million people suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux, a progressive disease that occurs when stomach acid, or occasionally bile, flows back up the esophagus. Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication, or TIF®, is an incisionless procedure for the treatment of GERD performed through the mouth.

"Patients suffering from GERD experience symptoms such as heartburn in the chest or throat, difficulty swallowing, or hoarseness or a sore throat. They are unable to eat the foods they want or spend nights sleeping sitting up to reduce nighttime reflux," said Ranzinger. "Although moderate to severe acid reflux is typically treated with medications like PPI's - or Proton Pump Inhibitors - these medications can lose their effectiveness over time. They also do not treat the underlying root causes of acid reflux - the anatomy of the anti-reflux barrier so life-long medication therapy is required."

TIF is based on established principles of surgical repair of the antireflux barrier, except that it is "surgery from within." Performed transorally, or through the mouth, the procedure reduces hiatal hernia and creates a valve between the stomach and esophagus restoring the natural, physiological anatomy to prevent gastroesophageal reflux. Because this new surgical option is incisionless, there is reduced pain, reduced recovery and no visible scar.

"After the Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication procedure, clinical trials show that most patients can eat and drink foods they avoided for many years. Reflux no longer impacts their life like it previously did," said Schwer. "The TIF procedure can significantly improve quality of life for our patients. We are very excited to be able to offer our patients the same incredible benefits as more invasive procedures without incisions."

"The TIF procedure represents the next step in the evolution of surgery," said Vladimir Radivojevic, Executive Director of Surgical Services at Goshen Health System. "Bringing the most advanced medical technologies to our community directly supports our mission to provide outstanding patient care. With this giant advancement, we are proud to now provide this 'gold standard' procedure for our community."

Source
Goshen Health System