NEW! TIF for gastric reflux, hiatal hernia = better sleep for sufferers

Gastric reflux, whether in the form of heartburn, or extremely high reflux called LPR (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux), chronically disrupts the sleep of those who suffer. Fortunately, most patients will not need to do more than follow basic tips for eating appropriately for their condition (small meals, low on spices and acidic foods, no eating before bed) and other general tips such as raising the head of the bed. Some patients however, will progressively become worse despite conservative treatment, resulting in circumstances that make it virtually impossible to achieve or maintain sleep at night. Additionally, patients with chronic reflux run the significant risk of developing a pre-cancerous condition called Barrett's Esophagus. If the reflux itself doesn't keep you awake, the serious and ongoing threat of esophageal or stomach cancer probably will.

Until now, the only treatment for these conditions was medication to reduce stomach acid, or abdominal surgery to wrap a portion of the stomach around the old valve, creating a new one.

Medications cause problems of their own ranging from malabsorption and B12 deficiency, to other side effects. Some patients simply can't tolerate the medicines for reflux.

The surgery for reflux - called fundoplication - is not only invasive, but has a relatively poor track record long-term. Additionally, patients lose the ability to vomit with fundoplication, necessitating other actions be taken in cases of illness that create the need for the patient to empty the stomach.

Enter: TIF (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplicaton)

What is TIF?

TIF is a method by which gastric surgeons use a normal body opening (the mouth) instead of creating a surgical opening with a scalpel to treat the weak valve. TIF can also be used to treat hiatal hernias - a condition in which a portion of the upper stomach migrates through the opening in the diaphragm and into the chest cavity.

This short video demonstrates the TIF procedure:




Endogastric Solutions video

.Gastric reflux is a common cause of sleep problems. Do you discuss gastric reflux and the options for treatment in your sleep communities?

Have you heard of TIF or have any experience with the procedure?

I have GERD and LPR as well as a hiatal hernia. I've basically been hanging on and waiting for something to come along with a better side effect profile as well as long-term track record. TIF is reversible and according to the literature, seems to have a good track record so far. A similar procedure is now being used in place of gastric bypass surgery as well. However, the longest term information I could find was 18 months (mentioned in the video). To me in my mid forties, this is a far cry from 'long term'. I would love to find Health Activists who have had the procedure and ask them some questions about their experience...

To share this article in your Sleep or Gastric communities, use this handy short url: http://bit.ly/9mg6mn