FAQs: Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF)®

TIF is an abbreviation for Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication. It is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia that reconstructs the valve at the top of the stomach to prevent acid reflux. The instruments that are used to perform the procedure are introduced through the mouth so there are no skin or muscle incisions.

TIF uses a device guided with an upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscope to create a valve at the top of the stomach that prevents abnormal acid reflux. The valve is similar to that created by laparoscopic partial fundoplication. The valve is created by folding the tissue and securing the valve with tissue fasteners through the endoscopic device.

Fundoplication is a medical term used described folding of the stomach around the esophagus to construct a valve at the junction of the stomach and esophagus. The purpose of this valve is almost always to prevent acid reflux. Fundoplications that are 360° completely encircle the esophagus, and are often referred to as Nissen fundoplications. When the stomach is folded 240° or less around the esophagus it is described as a partial fundoplication. Before the introduction of the TIF procedure, all fundoplications were constructed either with open surgery or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery.

Before considering a TIF procedure, patients must undergo a careful evaluation that includes:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy
• Barium swallow, an X-ray test where the patient drinks liquid-containing barium solution that is easily visualized during an X-ray. This allows the radiologist to determine if a hiatal hernia is present, assess the degree of the reflux and get a sense of how effectively the esophagus is functioning.
• Esophageal motility testing and PH probe studies, which involve placing a catheter through the mouth or nose into the esophagus and recording the pressure generated inside the esophagus during swallowing. This can be an important piece of information in determining whether the esophagus is strong enough to propel food through a newly constructed valve at the gastroesophageal junction (fundoplication)

Patients need to have an empty stomach and not have anything to eat or drink after midnight.

The TIF procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Patients need to be on a liquid diet for a week after surgery and a soft diet for an additional several weeks.

Strenuous activity may be limited during this time. Most patients have a follow up appointment with their surgeon two weeks after surgery to monitor recovery progress.

Not all patients are candidates for this procedure. Candidates most suited for this procedure include patients who:

• Have GERD documented by the evaluation described above
• Ideally do not have hiatal hernias, but may be considered if a hiatal hernia is 2 cm or less
• Body Mass Index (BMI) < 35

Patients who have had prior gastric surgery are not eligible for this procedure.

TIF is a safe and well-tolerated procedure. All surgical procedures have risks. It is important to speak with your surgeon to see what your risk factors may be.

Fundoplications can cause temporary difficulty in swallowing solid foods. Sometimes they can lead to trapping of gas in the stomach with distention or bloating. These side effects tend to be temporary and resolve once swelling from surgical procedures has resolved. It is possible to burp/belch after nearly all types of fundoplications. However, it is difficult, if not impossible, to vomit with an intact 360° fundoplication. It is, however, possible to vomit with a partial fundoplication.

Mass General is consistently ranked as a top hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Our surgeons, among the most experienced nationally and internationally, are leaders in the treatment of gastric and esophageal diseases. This program is multidisciplinary and offers coordination between various departments. Our surgeons are accustomed to seeing patients with multiple medical conditions and offer treatments customized for each patient.

Mass General has been involved in various studies analyzing outcomes after surgery.

A Quality of Life (QOL) survey was sent to all patients who underwent laparoscopic fundoplications. This survey was used to evaluate long-term results and quality of life.

Learn more about this study

Another QOL survey was developed to analyze the severity of pain in patients with GERD, before and after laparoscopic floppy Nissen fundoplication.