Just one of five hospital-based programs in South Los Angeles and Orange Counties capable of restoring the body’s natural anti-reflux barrier targeting the root cause of GERD
For patients living with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), conventional treatment methods focus on reducing acid rather than correcting the source of the problem causing reflux. The MemorialCare Digestive Care Center is expanding advanced GERD treatment options with transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) and combined TIF with hiatal hernia repair (cTIF)—both of which are minimally invasive procedures designed to restore the body’s natural anti-reflux barrier targeting the root cause of GERD. MemorialCare is one of five hospital-based programs in South Los Angeles and North Orange County offering both TIF and cTIF, expanding local access to advanced reflux care.
“With cTIF, we are not simply reducing acid; we are correcting the structural problem that allows reflux to happen,” said Jose Aranez, M.D., medical director, Advanced Endoscopy, MemorialCare Digestive Care Center. “For patients with a hiatal hernia, cTIF is a game changer for patients as it combines hiatal hernia repair with advanced endoscopy to restore the body’s natural barrier to reflux by rebuilding the valve between the esophagus and stomach. We repair the hernia and the weakened valve in a single procedure, which can save patients time, reduce costs and minimize the need for multiple procedures.”
For many people with GERD, reflux is not just caused by stomach acid. It can also occur when the valve between the esophagus and stomach becomes weak, allowing stomach contents to flow back up. TIF uses advanced endoscopy to reconstruct that valve through the mouth, without external incisions for the valve repair portion of the procedure.
For patients who also have a hiatal hernia, cTIF combines laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with TIF in one coordinated procedure, addressing both the hernia and the weakened valve. For appropriately selected patients, this approach may help reduce symptoms, improve quality of life and limit long-term dependence on medication. Compared with traditional anti-reflux surgery, TIF and cTIF may offer benefits such as a less invasive approach, reduced postoperative discomfort and a quicker return to normal activities.
“TIF and cTIF are most appropriate for otherwise healthy patients with chronic GERD who continue to have symptoms despite medication or rely on medication long term, and who have a body mass index under 35,” said Dr. Aranez. “For patients with a hiatal hernia, cTIF allows us to address the hernia and rebuild the anti-reflux barrier in a coordinated procedure. MemorialCare is proud to bring this advanced option to patients who previously may have needed to travel farther for care.”
Patients being considered for TIF or cTIF undergo a comprehensive assessment that may include endoscopy, reflux testing and imaging studies to help determine the most appropriate treatment plan. “One of the advantages of this approach is that it brings surgery and advanced endoscopy together in a coordinated way,” said Atif Iqbal, M.D., medical director, Digestive Care Center, MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center. “Dr. Aranez and I collaborate closely to evaluate each patient and tailor treatment based on their anatomy, symptoms and long-term treatment needs. That team-based approach helps us offer patients a thoughtful, individualized option for chronic reflux.”
November is GERD awareness month. To learn more about the Digestive Care Center at MemorialCare, visit memorialcare.org/digestivecare.