The TIF procedure is a new alternative treatment for chronic acid reflux (GERD). It can also treat a minor hiatal hernia. A healthcare provider operates through an endoscope to reinforce the muscles at the bottom of your esophagus.
A TIF procedure is an endoscopic operation to treat chronic acid reflux (GERD) and hiatal hernia. “Endoscopic” means that it’s done with the aid of an endoscope, a long tube with a camera that goes through your mouth into your esophagus. This is less invasive than surgery because there’s no cutting.
“TIF” stands for transoral incisionless fundoplication. “Transoral“ means through the mouth, and “incisionless“ means there are no surgical incisions. “Fundoplication“ is the operation itself. It means folding (plicating) the top part of your stomach (the fundus). The procedure folds your fundus around your esophagus.
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Fundoplication reinforces your gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), the junction where the end of your esophagus meets the top of your stomach. If you have chronic acid reflux (GERD), it’s because this junction has become too relaxed, allowing stomach acid to flow backward into your esophagus.
Often, a hiatal hernia is also involved in GERD. This means that the top of your stomach (fundus) is emerging through the esophageal hiatus. That's the opening in your diaphragm that your esophagus passes through to meet your stomach below it. A TIF procedure can also correct a hiatal hernia.
The TIF procedure is an option for people with mild to moderate GERD and/or hiatal hernias who want a lasting solution, but don’t want or can’t have surgery. It offers a third choice between surgery and lifelong medication with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which is the usual treatment for GERD.
Some people with GERD find that PPIs become less effective in managing their symptoms over time. This may be because their GEJ continues to weaken. Others have concerns about taking PPIs long-term for various reasons. The TIF procedure allows them to safely reduce or stop taking these medications.
If you’re interested in the TIF procedure, discuss it with a healthcare provider. A gastroenterologist or general surgeon can perform it. They’ll assess you first, to make sure you’re a good candidate for the procedure. They might look at your esophagus and/or hernia or assess how much acid reflux you have.
You might need a few tests, including:
The TIF procedure might not be the right treatment for you if you have:
Your provider will review your current medications and make adjustments if necessary. They’ll also ask you to avoid food and drink for 12 hours before your appointment. After you arrive, they’ll give you medication through an IV before, during and after the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.
Common medications include:
During a TIF procedure, your provider will operate on your gastroesophageal junction through your mouth, using an endoscope and a special fundoplication device. They’ll use the device to wrap the top of your stomach (fundus) securely around your lower esophagus, creating a tighter valve between them.
There are several different TIF devices your provider might use. Each operates a little differently. Your provider will use the device to grasp and mold your tissues and secure them with fasteners, surgical staples or stitches. The endoscope will project images to a screen that they’ll watch while they operate.
It takes about 45 to 60 minutes to perform the TIF procedure. Your whole appointment will be longer than that, though. You’ll need time for the anesthesia to take effect and to wear off again. After it’s worn off, you may be able to go home or you may need to stay in the hospital overnight.
You won’t feel anything during the procedure, while you’re under general anesthesia. Afterward, you’ll have pain relievers as needed. Most people only need moderate pain relief, and only for a day. If you seem to need more, your provider will check for possible complications, like bleeding or infection.
It’s normal to have some minor discomforts for a few days afterward, like a sore throat, chest pain or shoulder pain. Throat and chest irritation are side effects of the tubes and devices that were in your esophagus. Shoulder pain is a side effect of the gas they pump into your esophagus before operating.
Complications from the procedure are unlikely but possible. They include:
The TIF procedure is still new, so we don’t have a lot of research following long-term outcomes yet. But early results suggest an 80% success rate after five years. Success means people experience immediate and lasting relief from their symptoms and are able to reduce or discontinue using their medications.
You’ll continue medications for a few days after the procedure, including antibiotics and pain relief as needed. You’ll start to feel better soon after, but it will take several weeks for your esophagus to heal completely. Your provider will instruct you on how to modify your diet while you’re recovering.
Typically, you’ll start on a clear liquid diet, then progress to full liquids, and then to a soft diet. This might last two to six weeks. You can return to most activities, including school and work, after a few days, but you should avoid vigorous physical activity for up to a month after the procedure.
Nissen fundoplication is the original surgical procedure to treat acid reflux and hiatal hernia. The main difference is that a surgeon accesses your gastroesophageal junction through an incision in your abdomen. Or it may be several small incisions, if you’re having minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.
Another difference is that the Nissen technique traditionally makes a tighter fold around your esophagus than the TIF procedure. This strong reinforcement has made the procedure very effective in treating GERD and hiatal hernias, especially when they’re severe. But for some people, it’s too tight.
Reported complications after Nissen fundoplication include difficulties with swallowing, burping and vomiting. This happens when the fundoplication is too tight. The TIF procedure isn’t associated with these types of long-term side effects. You can still burp and swallow normally after the TIF procedure.
Overall, the TIF procedure offers a more moderate type of correction for a more moderate type of problem. If your hiatal hernia isn’t too big and your acid reflux isn’t too severe, you can benefit from the TIF procedure without risking overcorrecting. You can also avoid surgery and its longer recovery time.
For the right candidate, the TIF procedure is well worth considering. It offers long-lasting relief in return for a short operation and recovery. It’s especially worthwhile if your hernia or reflux causes problems that medications don’t fix. PPIs can ease your symptoms, but they can’t stop reflux from happening.
GERD affects up to 20% of U.S. adults, causing symptoms that are not only irritating, but also can do real long-term damage. It’s important to treat GERD to prevent these possible downstream effects. But the options are limited. While surgery and medication can both be effective, neither is ideal for everyone.
The TIF procedure offers a third option between these two poles. Like surgery, transoral incisionless fundoplication attempts to fix the problem at its root. But it’s less invasive and daunting. Healthcare providers hope this alternative can offer relief for those who don’t want lifelong medication or surgery.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/22/2024.
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