By Lisa Minic –
Do you suffer from chronic acid reflux, also known as GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?
Is it limiting the foods you can eat or when you can eat? Does it keep you from sleeping comfortably, or sleeping at all? Until recently, there were only two treatment options for people suffering from GERD: prescription medication or invasive surgery. Now there is a third option: EsophyX TIF, an incisionless procedure offered by Dr. Alvaro Bada of Port Charlotte, one of the first doctors to offer the procedure in southwest Florida.
TIF is an endoscopic procedure that tightens the lower portion of the esophagus to reconstruct the valve between the esophagus and stomach.
The procedure is done under general anesthesia in less than one hour and, in most cases, requires only an overnight hospital stay. As opposed to other surgical options, TIF requires no external or internal incisions, which means no scarring and less chance of complication or other adverse effects.
While the procedure is minimally invasive, Bada stresses that this procedure is not just for anyone suffering from heartburn. We all suffer from occasional heartburn. One in four people experience heartburn at least once a month. For these people, over-the-counter medications should suffice. Those who experience heart burn at least once a week, might want to consider a daily prescription medicine. TIF is meant for patients who experience severe heartburn and acid reflux several times a week or on a daily basis.
Following the procedure, Bada said most of his patients resume their normal activity within three to four days. However, returning to your normal diet is another story. In the weeks immediately following the procedure, patients are asked to follow a strict diet of small meals consisting of soft foods, adding more and more foods over a 12-week period. Patients are told to avoid most raw fruits and vegetables, meats, breads and other foods with a course texture for at least seven weeks.
According to Dr. Bada, “If you suffer from GERD and do not want a lifelong regimen of medication or do not want to undergo an invasive surgical procedure, incisionless EsophyX TIF is the best treatment option available. Following the procedure, 90% of my patients no longer take any medications while 85% claim to be completely symptom free.”
If you suffer from chronic acid reflux, marked by symptoms such as heartburn, hoarseness or sore throat, persistent cough, asthma, frequent swallowing, pain or discomfort in the chest, burning sensation in the throat or mouth or regurgitation, call 941.255.0069 to schedule a consultation.
For more information visit: www.refluxbadamd.com.