The TIF Procedure for GERD: The Most Common Questions We’re Asked

If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for a solution to your GERD. And no wonder; GERD comes with a nasty lot of symptoms, and can lead to some serious complications. While lifestyle changes can certainly help, sometimes you need treatment that’s a little more drastic. That’s where reflux surgeries come in. Let’s explore one of the most popular options, the TIF surgery, and some of the most common questions we get about the procedure.

What Is TIF?

Also known as a Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication, the TIF procedure is a minimally invasive surgery that accomplishes the same thing as a traditional Lap Nissen Fundoplication. Unlike the Lap Nissen, TIF does not use external incisions– rather, your reflux surgeon will use the esophagus to access your lower esophageal sphincter (LES). During your TIF surgery, the top of your stomach (the fundus) will be wrapped around the lower esophagus, creating a tighter opening into the stomach. TIF is a partial fundoplication– not a complete fundoplication.

Top Five Questions About TIF from Real Patients

#1: How Should I Prepare for My TIF Procedure?

Although your surgeon will give you specific directions, the general rules are as follows:

No eating or drinking in the 8-12 hours before your surgery. Prior to that, your doctor may recommend a bland or liquid diet– eat only things that will not upset your stomach. It’s incredibly important that you do not vomit after your partial fundoplication.

#2: Will I Be Put Under General Anesthesia?

Yes; this is a traditional surgery in the sense that you, the patient, will be sedated for the procedure. This is necessary to eliminate pain and discomfort during your surgery. If you do not respond well to anesthesia, the TIF procedure may not be a good fit for you.

#3: How Long Will the Procedure Take?

If you’re like many of our other patients, you might be wondering: how long does the TIF procedure last? The entire procedure will last less than an hour– barring complications. However, it does take some time to prepare the patient for the surgery. You may be given pain medication or medication to prevent nausea. After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room to wait for the anesthetics to wear off; this can take some patients quite a while. 

#4: Should I Expect Any Strange Side Effects?

Here at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center, our patients often ask: what are the side effects of the TIF procedure. Since TIF is an endoscopic (through your oral cavity and into the esophagus) procedure, there’s always some risk of damage to the teeth, tongue, and throat. You may have difficulty swallowing at first, and it’s best to stick to a liquid diet for a few days. It’s also extremely important to avoid vomiting in the first few days after your surgery.

You will likely be hoarse after your surgery and may even experience mild difficulty talking and breathing. Due to the surgical sutures and cauterization around the top of your stomach, you will also experience some lower chest (upper abdominal) pain; it’s not uncommon for this pain to radiate into other areas of the body, especially the upper chest.

#5: When Can I Go Back to Work / Resume Normal Activities?

Your TIF surgery recovery time will vary, depending on a few factors: how well you follow your post-operative instructions, how your surgery went, and how well you stick to your post-operative diet. For the best results, follow a strict liquid diet. Generally speaking, patients need to take about a week off of work in order to recover from TIF surgery enough to be able to work.

Are you ready to kick your acid reflux to the curb for good? Contact the team of reflux specialists here at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center.