ABILENE, TX- No Heartburn. No Pills. No Scars. Incisionless Surgery for chronic heartburn and reflux is now available at Abilene Regional Medical Center. Dr. John Cole, General Surgeon at Abilene Regional Medical Center, recently became the first surgeon in the Big Country to perform the transoral incisionless fundoploication (TIF) procedure. The TIF procedure is the latest advancement in the evolution of surgical procedures for the treatment of Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD, also known as acid reflux, occurs when stomach acids flow up from the stomach into the esophagus. A dysfunctional valve between the stomach and esophagus is often the cause of the problem. “In a patient with chronic GERD, this valve has become dysfunctional,” Dr. Cole explains. “The TIF procedure reconstructs the valve between the esophagus and the stomach to prevent reflux.” According to a recent Gallup survey, heartburn affects about 40 percent of all adults in the U.S. More than 100 million suffer with daily heartburn or other symptoms of reflux, such as regurgitation, chronic cough, hoarseness, and dental erosions. Until recently, these people faced either a lifetime of daily medications or the risks of invasive surgery. Now they have a better option. The TIF procedure is performed through the mouth and reconstructs the barrier between the stomach and esophagus to prevent stomach fluids from refluxing up into the esophagus. A surgical device is inserted into the body from the mouth and is threaded down the throat to the point where the stomach and esophagus meet. No incisions are necessary. The device pulls and fastens a tissue fold, repeatedly, to reconstruct a tight, anti-reflux valve. The TIF procedure results in a shorter hospital stay (usually just overnight), reduced patient discomfort, shortened recovery times, no visible scars, and typically higher patient satisfaction than other types of surgery to treat GERD. “The TIF procedure can significantly improve quality of life for patients, and it offers the same benefits as more invasive procedures, with less risk,” Dr. Cole says. “After the TIF procedure, most patients no longer need, or can decrease, their daily reflux medications and can eat and drink foods and beverages they avoided for years.” Dr. Cole is the first and only specialist in the region trained in the TIF procedure. ARMC is hosting a free Community Education TIF Seminar on Monday, February 13. During the seminar, Dr. Cole will discuss the TIF procedure and will also be available for questions and answers. The seminar is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Women’s Center Classroom 3 at Abilene Regional Medical Center. For more information call 325-428-4950 or visit our website at www.AbileneRegional.com/heartburn.