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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD) is a digestive disorder involving the muscular ring (sphincter) connecting the esophagus with the stomach. Typically, the sphincter prevents food from moving out of the stomach and back up into the esophagus.   

When a person has GERD, the sphincter muscle becomes weak and allows food and stomach acids to flow back up (reflux) into the esophagus. Stomach acids cause a burning sensation in the chest, a sour taste, and cough. The common term “heartburn” refers to the burning sensation caused by acid reflux. For most people, heartburn occurs infrequently can be controlled with a combination of diet change, antacids, or prescription medications. In cases where lifestyle and medications are not effective, surgery may be necessary to prevent the corrosive stomach acids from causing permanent damage to the esophagus.

Dr. Tomita performs the laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery called a Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication along with the new Transesophageal Incisionless Fundoplication procedure called TIF Esophyx®.

The TIF EsophyX surgery is performed under general anesthesia but requires no incisions to be made. An endoscope, which is a flexible tube with a camera attached, is inserted into the mouth and down into the stomach. The doctor will then use the EsophyX device to fold the upper portion of the stomach around the lower portion of the esophagus. Known as fundoplication, this technique repairs a hiatal hernia and reinforces the junction between the esophagus and the stomach, which helps prevent acid from flowing back up into the esophagus. TIF EsophyX can eliminate GERD completely in many patients.

The TIF EsophyX procedure is used to treat GERD, a gastroesophageal reflux disease associated with frequent acid reflux and heartburn. It is only performed on patients who have a reducible hiatal hernia of 2 cm or less. A good candidate for TIF EsophyX  may have tried GERD medications in the past.   

Patients who are obese, having a body mass index of 35 or higher, are not good candidates for the TIF EsophyX surgery. Similarly, TIF EsophyX is usually not done on patients who have been diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus or who have experienced a significant narrowing of the esophagus. If you have a larger hiatal hernia or other damage to the esophagus, your doctor may recommend other surgical options to treat your GERD.

Fundoplication can be performed laparoscopically instead of through the incisionless EsophyX procedure. However, the recovery time from TIF EsophyX surgery is shorter, requiring only about one week of recovery before returning to normal activities.   

Immediately after EsophyX surgery, patients are put on a liquid diet. They will work up to normal foods over the following month. Throat or chest pain or discomfort may occur temporarily after the procedure. Any nausea should be treated immediately with medication in order to avoid vomiting that could damage the new repair.   

After a successful TIF EsophyX surgery, patients may discontinue use of GERD medications. Many GERD sufferers report that their symptoms have completely resolved after this procedure. If the esophyx does not provide permanent relief, further treatment options, including a laparoscopic fundoplication, are available.

Connie G - "My severe heart burn had caused a chronic cough, and I couldn't bend over to pick up clothes from the floor without extreme pain. Ultimately, I ended up with chronic laryngitis. A physician friend of mine had heard of the EsophyX procedure and recommended I have it, but I didn't want to have to travel to a hospital far away to have it done. When I returned from a trip, I saw an ad for Dr. Tomita's orientation and attended it. I had my surgery within the following 30 days. Within a week, I had my voice back and haven't lost it since. This surgery gave me back my life. My nieces now say, 'The fun twin is back!!' The surgery was very easy, and I highly recommend it to anyone suffering from chronic heart burn and/or acid reflux. The difference is like night and day."