How Does TIF Work?

TIF repairs the root cause of acid reflux—a faulty valve between the esophagus and stomach. When this valve doesn’t work correctly, stomach acids can back up, burning your esophagus and irritating your throat. While you’re under anesthesia, a surgeon repairs the valve. 

TIF doesn’t make any incisions (cuts), so you won’t have any scars. You’re also much less likely to have bloating, gas or long-term trouble swallowing after TIF than after traditional Nissen fundoplication. 

Is TIF Right for Me?

Ask your doctor about TIF if you:

  • Regularly experience GERD symptoms, such as a burning sensation after eating, chest pain, lump in the throat, belching, or food or liquid backing up into your throat 
  • Take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as Prilosec or Nexium, for more than 14 days 
  • No longer get relief from anti-reflux medications or are concerned about the side effects of long-term medication usage

Paul Frassinelli, MD, FACS, has performed TIF longer than any other surgeon in Upstate South Carolina and can help determine if this treatment is right for you. 
 

Make an Appointment

Call 864-512-7222 to schedule your consultation for TIF surgery at AnMed Piedmont Surgical - Anderson. No referral is needed.

Recovery After TIF

Recovery after TIF is rapid and most people get back to normal activities quickly. You will need to consume a soft foods diet for a short time as your stomach valve heals. You can usually return to work quickly, but you may need to avoid heavy lifting or rigorous activity until you are fully healed. Your surgeon will direct you when you can stop taking heartburn medications.  Most people can permanently stop taking heartburn medications shortly after the procedure.