Heartburn Surgery
Robot-assisted surgery can offer several advantages, including faster recoveries, less pain, less operating time and better visualization with high resolution 3D optics. The technology allows surgeons to do more difficult cases, including repairs for patients with large hernias and scar tissue from previous operations.
Using an advanced surgical system, your surgeon can benefit from enhanced surgical accuracy utilizing high-definition 3D vision and a magnified operating view. Your doctor controls the system, which translates his or her hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside your body. Though it is often called a robot, the system cannot act on its own; the surgery is performed entirely by your doctor.
Together, this technology allows your doctor to perform complex procedures through just a few tiny openings. As a result patients are often able to get back to their daily routines faster — without the usual recovery for traditional surgeries.
TIF Procedure
TIF (transoral incisionless fundoplication) is a treatment for safely and effectively treating chronic acid reflux disease. TIF reconstructs the anti-reflux barrier between the stomach and esophagus to provide a solution to the anatomical cause of GERD - without incisions.
The procedure is for patients who are dissatisfied with current pharmaceutical therapies or are concerned about the long-term effects of daily use of reflux medications. While it is a good treatment for reflux, it does not repair a hiatal hernia.
TIF was developed to emulate more invasive surgical techniques, but from within and completely without incisions and visible scars. Using an advanced device, the procedure is performed through the mouth, rather than through an abdominal incision. Typically lasting no more than 50-60 minutes, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia and reconstructs the antireflux barrier to restore the competency of the gastroesophageal junction.
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 normal activities within only a few days.