The MRHC reflux specialists are renowned for their expertise in advanced minimally invasive reflux surgery. They perform the following proven effective procedures, typically on an outpatient basis:
LINX magnetic sphincter augmentation procedure: The LINX System is a small flexible bracelet of interlinked titanium beads with magnetic cores. It is implanted with a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure around the weak lower esophageal sphincter. The magnetic attraction between the beads helps the LES resist opening to gastric pressures, preventing reflux from the stomach from going into the esophagus. Swallowing food temporarily opens the magnetic bond, allowing food and liquid to pass normally into the stomach.
TIF Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication: The TIF procedure is performed from inside the patient’s stomach without incisions. This procedure delivers patient outcomes similar to those provided by conventional ARS procedures, but is less invasive, has fewer adverse effects, and does not limit future treatment options. Following the principles of ARS, the TIF procedure repairs the anti-reflux barrier by reducing a hiatal hernia (≤ 2 cm), and creating a valve 2 to 4 cm in length and greater than 270-degree circumferential wrap.
These are three surgical procedures in which the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower end of the esophagus and stitched in place, reinforcing the closing function of the lower esophageal sphincter. Each fundoplication procedure can be done laparoscopically. This means that the surgeon makes several small incisions and inserts tiny surgical instruments and a small, thin tube with a camera and light to perform the surgery. The outcome is faster recovery with minimal scars.
Nissen Fundoplication: The Nissen works by restoring the function of the damaged valve that is the actual cause of acid reflux. The fundus is wrapped all the way around the bottom of your esophagus to tighten the sphincter. This is done by wrapping part of the stomach very loosely around the lower esophagus at the location of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
Toupet Fundoplication: The fundus is wrapped about two-thirds of the way around the back side, or posterior, of the bottom of the esophagus. This creates a sort of valve that lets the patient more easily release gas through burps or vomit when necessary.
Collis-Nissen Fundoplication: Collis gastroplasty is a procedure to lengthen a shortened esophagus, in order to treat the underlying cause of GERD. A shortened esophagus happens when irritation from chronic acid reflux leaves scar tissue in the esophagus.