From an article by Shaw Thompson with
Dr. Guy McClary, McLeod Primary Care Physician
Dr. Davinderbir Pannu, McLeod Advanced Endoscopist and Gastroenterologist

“Just 4 weeks after the procedure, I was completely off all acid-reducing medications and experiencing no pain or symptoms whatsoever,” said Kelly Thompson, following her Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication or TIF.

A McLeod Health Nurse since 1993, Thompson suffered from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), which occurs when stomach acid moves back up the esophagus and causes a burning sensation in the chest. She struggled with persistent heartburn and abdominal pain after eating. The indigestion and discomfort interrupted her sleep, dampened her desire to dine out with family and friends, and made much of her daily life miserable.

The most common GERD treatment is a class of medications known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and includes Prilosec, Protonix and Nexium (the purple pill).

“I had been on many medications and treatments,” said Thompson. “They helped but didn’t bring full relief.” Her primary care physician, Dr. Guy McClary, referred her to McLeod Advanced Endoscopist and Gastroenterologist Dr. Davinderber Pannu.

After a diagnostic procedure, Dr. Pannu recommended the TIF procedure.

“The TIF procedure is a method of reinforcing the gastroesophageal valve mechanism with a minimally-invasive endoscopic procedure,” said Dr. Pannu. “In Kelly’s case, her reflux was caused  by a weak lower valve that serves as a natural barrier to acid reflux. TIF is a non-surgical outpatient procedure that allows us to recreate that barrier.”

The benefits of TIF are often a shorter treatment time, less pain and faster recovery than with typical surgical procedures for GERD and hernia.

More than half the US population suffers from GERD. Although the TIF procedure is not appropriate for all patients, it is an extraordinary option for many who suffer from acid reflux.

ACTION YOU CAN TAKE
If you are experiencing GERD, talk with your personal physician about a referral to a Gastroenterologist.

Find a Gastroenterologist near you.