Incisionless Heartburn Surgery Now Available at Flowers Hospital

Surgeon to provide informational seminar open to the public

DOTHAN, AL (May 27, 2010) –Flowers Hospital is pleased to announce the addition of a new surgical treatment option for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The new procedure, called TIF® (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplicaton), does not require any incisions and is designed to eliminate heartburn.

Dr. Steven M. Fendley is the first specialist in the Wiregrass area trained to perform the TIF procedure. “The TIF procedure with the EsophyX device can significantly improve quality of life for our patients,” says Dr. Fendley. “GERD is an anatomical problem, which needs an anatomical solution. Reflux medications can help relieve patients’ heartburn but they may still have regurgitation symptoms. Even on medications, many patients are still unable to eat the foods they want or have to sleep upright to reduce night time reflux. After the EsophyX TIF procedure, clinical trials show that the majority of patients can eat and drink foods they have avoided for years. Reflux no longer impacts their lives like it had in the past.”

The TIF procedure represents the next step in the evolution of surgery.  Because the procedure is incisionless, there is less pain, reduced recovery time, and no scarring. “With millions of Americans diagnosed with GERD and not fully satisfied with their treatment, TIF is an excellent option,” says Dr. Fendley.