Do you have heartburn or acid reflux twice a week or more?
Do you suffer from pain or discomfort in your chest not related to heart disease?
Do you experience intolerance to certain foods?
If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, you may have GERD — Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. GERD is a digestive disorder that causes heartburn and acid reflux due to gastric acid returning from the stomach back up into the esophagus. Here at SMC, Dr. Daniel Timmerman, board certified in general surgery, performs the TIF procedure — a minimally-invasive procedure that repairs the gastroesophageal valve endoscopically, helping to relieve heartburn discomfort.
FAQs
What are the Symptoms of GERD?
If you have heartburn or acid reflux twice a week or more, you may have GERD — Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Heartburn is the most common symptom, but you may also experience:
– Hoarseness or sore throat
– Frequent swallowing
– Asthma or asthma-like symptoms
– Pain or discomfort in the chest
– Sleep disruption — unable to sleep lying down
– Bloating
– Excessive clearing of the throat
– Persistent cough
– Burning in the mouth or throat
– Intolerance of certain foods
– Dental erosion or therapy-resistant gum disease or inflammation
What is the TIF Procedure?
TIF — Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication — is a simple, minimally-invasive procedure that repairs the gastroesophageal valve endoscopically. A malfunctioning valve is the root cause of GERD — Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. The valve should be a one-way valve, keeping stomach acid contained in the stomach. If the valve is damage, stomach acid gets up into the esophagus and can cause major damage.
Because there are no incisions, recovery time is much shorter than traditional surgery. Patients typically spend one night in the hospital and follow a liquid diet and soft foods for about two weeks. Most are able to resume to normal activities within only a few days
What are the benefits of having the TIF procedure?
The TIF procedure — Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication — is a simple, minimally-invasive procedure that repairs the gastroesophageal valve endoscopically. There are many benefits of having the TIF procedure performed at SMC.
– No external skin incisions mean no scarring.
– No internal cutting or dissecting of the natural anatomy means more rapid recovery.
– Very safe procedure with fewer adverse events and complications than other anti-reflux surgical procedures.
– TIF does not limit future treatment options.
Why is digestive health important?
A healthy digestive system is essential for the body to function properly. Salem Medical Center offers gastrointestinal services to help doctors diagnose and treat digestive issues.
Our gastroenterologists provide treatment options for a range of digestive disorders including:
– Appendicitis and peritonitis
– Dietary sensitivities such as Celiac disease and lactose intolerance
– Gastroesophageal reflux disease — GERD — and Barrett’s esophagus
– H. Pylori and ulcers
– Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s Disease and diverticular disease
– Stomach, esophageal and colorectal cancer
SMC Health Physician
Dr. Daniel Timmerman
Daniel Timmerman, DO, is board-certified in general surgery and experienced in a wide range of general surgery procedures and techniques including the TIF procedure. Dr. Timmerman earned his medical degree from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed a residency at the Philadelphia College of Medicine. To learn more about the TIF procedure, call 856-279-2842 or visit smc.health/services/digestive-health.
