Acid Reflux

For most people, an occasional bout of heartburn after certain types of food or drink is a normal, though unpleasant sensation. However, when heartburn occurs frequently and chronically, it is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and is a painful and potentially serious condition.

Acid reflux occurs when digestive fluids from the stomach escape into the esophagus. More sensitive than the intestinal lining, esophageal tissue becomes inflamed and irritated when exposed to stomach acid, and the result is often a burning sensation we know as heartburn.

If left untreated, gastroesophageal reflux disease can cause chronic acid reflux, exposing the esophagus and other structures in the throat and upper airway to corrosive stomach fluids. Over time, this can result in serious disorders such as:

• chronic sore throat and cough
• esophagitis
• Barrett’s esophagus
• esophageal cancer

Acid reflux surgery is the most effective treatment option for the long-term resolution of heartburn, reflux and indigestion.

Incisionless Reflux Surgery with TIF Esophyx

Transoral surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) offers an exciting new method for providing surgical relief to sufferers of serious heartburn.

Transoral incisionless surgery procedures are performed through the mouth, not through a surgical incision. The procedure is performed while the patient is under general anaesthesia and, because there are no incisions or internal cutting, surgical repair can be practically pain free.

Dr. Bagnato is one of a handful of surgeons in the United States trained to perform the Esophyx Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) surgery.

Laparoscopic Surgery for Reflux

Surgery for reflux is recommended for anyone suffering from chronic, frequent and severe reflux. Those who have developed health concerns as a result of acid reflux are often prime candidates for surgery.

Dr. Bagnato is is an expert in minimally invasive fundoplication to repair the cause of severe reflux