Anti-reflux surgery is a treatment for acid reflux or GERD, a problem in which food or stomach contents come back up from your stomach into your esophagus. A hiatal hernia can make the GERD symptoms worse and is addressed at the same time. Our surgeons are the only surgeons in the Tampa, FL to offer all three FDA approved procedures : LINX procedure, TIF procedure and Laparoscopic/Robotic fundoplications.
Fundoplications
Anatomy and Surgery for Heartburn/GERD (Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease) The esophagus is a muscular tube that allows food to pass from the mouth to the stomach. When you eat or drink, liquids and solids are pushed through the esophagus through a process called peristalsis until they reach the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), which is located at [...]
Hiatal Hernias
Hiatal Hernias and Paraesophageal Hernias (Diaphragmatic Hernias) Hiatal hernias are a common problem. Sixty percent of patients over 50 years of age have a hiatal hernia. The important thing is to recognize whether the hiatal hernia is actually the cause of the symptoms. Many symptoms are blamed on hiatal hernias that are due to other [...]
LINX Procedure
The LINX Reflux Management System How LINX Works The LINX® System is a small, flexible band of magnets enclosed in titanium beads. The beads are connected by titanium wires. The magnetic attraction between the beads helps keep the weak LES closed to prevent reflux (see Figure 1). Swallowing forces temporarily break the magnetic bond, allowing [...]
Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication / EsophyX
What is TIF ? The TIF procedure treats the underlying cause of GERD/heartburn without incisions. This allows patients to have a robust surgery without the morbidity of incisions on their abdomen. This innovative procedure reconstructs the anti-reflux valve (Lower Esophageal Sphincter) using a device called the EsophyX device. The TIF procedure is performed by introducing [...]