Acid reflux is such a common problem you’d think it would be simple to spot and treat. But, sometimes acid reflux symptoms are less than obvious or easy to mistake for something else. If left untreated, it can result in more serious health issues. Here are some more facts about acid reflux: 11 Surprising Symptoms of Acid #Reflux #DrKneuper #NewBraunfels #Texas http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20529772,00.html

Call the office today and we can setup a customized health plan to help you find a solution to your acid reflux.

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TIF Testimonial About the TIF Procedure
Benefits of TIF:

Incisionless approach means no scars
No internal cutting or dissection of the natural anatomy—faster recovery
Fewer adverse events and complications than conventional antireflux surgery
Can be revised if required
Does not limit future treatment options [1]
The Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) is a surgical procedure performed through the mouth and without incisions; it employs the EsophyX device to create an esophagogastric fundoplication that is up to 270° and 3cm in length. A unique form of Natural Orifice Surgery (NOS), TIF represents the next step in the field of minimally invasive surgery and the treatment of GERD.

Transoral – TIF is performed from within the GI tract with the EsophyX device inserted through the patient’s mouth
Incisionless – There are no incisions resulting in reduced discomfort, faster recovery, and higher patient satisfaction
Fundoplication – EsophyX enables manipulation and plication of the fundus (part of the stomach) around the esophagus in order to reconstruct an antireflux valve according to the established principles of antireflux surgery.
While many patients are dissatisfied with medical therapy, some are wary of traditional open and laparoscopic antireflux surgery due to the incisions required, risks associated, and undesirable side effects such as dysphagia (trouble swallowing), bloating and increased flatulence.

TIF fills the treatment gap between medical therapy and more invasive surgical fundoplication. Because TIF is performed entirely through the patient’s mouth (transorally), there are no abdominal incisions and subsequently, no scars from the procedure.

To date, over 10,245 TIF procedures have been completed worldwide. Clinical results have been approaching those achieved by more invasive surgical techniques.

Anticipated risks with the TIF procedure include temporary discomforts such as sore throat, shoulder pain, difficulty swallowing, nausea or vomiting. For more information regarding the risks associated with this procedure, click here.

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How TIF Works To Relieve GERD
The TIF procedure, using the EsophyX device, reconstructs the antireflux valve at the gastroesophageal junction, the entrance from the esophagus into the stomach. This valve opens and closes as food is swallowed and is a physical barrier to reflux. By preventing reflux, TIF eliminates both the acidic symptoms of reflux such as heartburn and sore throat as well as the non-acid symptoms such as asthma, chronic cough and regurgitation.

Similar to laparoscopic antireflux surgery, and unlike earlier endoluminal therapies that focused solely on the lower esophageal sphincter, TIF is used to treat the underlying anatomical cause of GERD by reconstructing the dynamics of the body’s natural antireflux barrier. Sound adherence to the established principles of traditional antireflux surgery enables physicians to employ TIF to effectively treat GERD.

If you have GERD and are interested in learning more about TIF, consult a TIF specialist near you.

References:
[1] Romario UF, et al. Nissen Fundoplication after Failure of Endoluminal Fundoplication: Short-Term Results. J Gastrointest Surg 2011; 15:439-443.

Questions to Ask the Doctor

When discussing chronic acid reflux with your doctor, don’t be afraid to ask questions or request clarification if you don’t understand what you are hearing. Going to your appointment prepared with a list of questions and taking notes can help you remember what you wanted to know. Below is a list of questions you may want to discuss with your doctors

Questions about acid reflux / GERD

Do I have GERD (acid reflux)?
Why do you think I have GERD?
Is my case mild, moderate or severe?
What conditions other than GERD could be causing my problems?
Which tests are you recommending to diagnose GERD and why?
Did I show any signs of esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus?
What causes GERD?
What kinds of problems can GERD lead to?
Everyone’s anatomy is different. What are the chances my chronic GERD might progress to a precancerous condition?
Should I be examined for esophageal cancer?
Will I need such exams in the future?
What can you tell me about the treatment options for GERD?
What treatments do you recommend for me and why?
What are the risks and benefits of my treatment options?
Can GERD be cured?
How long can I expect my GERD to last?
What can I expect the progression of my GERD to be over time?
What complications of GERD may develop?
What symptoms or signs should I look out for and report to you?
Questions about lifestyle changes

What lifestyle changes do you recommend for me?
What changes in my diet can help my symptoms?
What foods or substances can make my symptoms worse?
Will losing weight help my GERD?
Questions about medical therapy

What is the difference between over the counter and prescription medications?
Do I need prescription medicine?
What is the best time of day to take my medication?
Can I take my medicine as needed or do I have to take it every day?
How long should I take the medication for?
What side effects or risks can I expect?
Are there any medications I am currently taking that can interact with the medications you’re prescribing for GERD?
What do you know about the adverse effects of long-term use of PPIs?
Is it true that PPIs and other pharmaceutical treatments can lose their effectiveness over time?
Questions about antireflux surgery

Is surgery appropriate for me?
Is surgery a better choice than taking medication for years?
How are the surgeries done?
What are the risks?
How well do the surgeries work?
What has been your success rate with antireflux surgery?
What is the difference between a total fundoplication and a partial fundoplication?
Will I ever need to have surgery again for reflux?
Are you aware of the new incisionless GERD surgery called TIF?

The severity of reflux symptoms varies considerably from person to person. Mild sufferers most commonly experience heartburn and regurgitation on occasion. More severe sufferers will experience symptoms as often as several times a week or even daily. Typical symptoms include:

Heartburn
Waterbrash (excessive salivation)
Regurgitation
Gas and bloating
Pain or discomfort in the chest
Trouble sleeping
Intolerance of certain foods and liquids
Most GERD sufferers attribute their symptoms to acid reflux, but reflux of non-acid stomach fluids can also cause similar symptoms which can be just as harmful to the esophagus. You can have GERD without experiencing heartburn.

Other symptoms can include:

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
Bad breath or a sour taste in the mouth
Hoarseness or laryngitis
Frequent swallowing
Asthma or asthma-like symptoms
Excessive clearing of the throat
Chronic irritated or sore throat
Persistent cough
Burning in the mouth or throat (acid taste in the mouth)
Dental erosions or therapy-resistant gum disease or inflammation
Discomfort in the ears and nose
Some reflux is normal, but if you suffer symptoms of reflux more than twice a week, you may have GERD. Take the GERD-HRQL survey and bring the results to your doctor for a GERD evaluation.

DRS. OZ AND ROIZEN: Answers to questions about TIF and sepsis
Published: Wednesday, June 13, 2012, 5:00 AM
By Syndicated columns
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Q: What do you think of the TIF (transoral incisionless fundoplication) procedure for relieving persistent gastroesophageal reflux disease? I’ve been on a double dose of proton pump inhibitors and have made lifestyle/diet changes. My symptoms, including hoarseness, sore throat and a sour taste in the back of my throat, are not improving. I’m 56 and never had heartburn until two years ago. — Fred G., St. Louis

A: The TIF procedure is well-accepted, and positive study results continue to support it. As the name implies, the procedure is through the mouth (transoral) and no laparoscope or other tools are used that puncture the skin (incisionless). This reduces the risk of infection and shortens recovery time.
GERD happens when stomach acid enters the esophagus because the door between the stomach and the esophagus — the lower esophageal sphincter or LES — won’t shut all the way. The TIF procedure uses a device called the EsophyX to fasten together reformed and refolded tissue, so that you have a solid anti-reflux door, and GERD goes away. Open and laparoscopic surgical procedures are very effective, but they are more invasive and expensive. The results of the TIF procedure seem to be the same, if not better.

The procedure takes an hour or two, requires anesthesia, then there’s a day in the hospital, and you’ll be back at work a day or two after that. However, not all patients with medically resistant GERD are candidates for TIF. So go get checked out by a specialist and see if you qualify for the procedure. Most people who do can say goodbye to antacids and hello to garlic!

Q: I heard that sepsis is the No. 1 cause of hospital deaths. I’m headed in for a hernia operation. What is sepsis, and what are my chances of contracting it? Am I better off in an outpatient surgical center? — Tim J., Lafayette, Ind.

A: Even though most people have never heard of this condition, sepsis is the top cause of hospital mortalities. But you can catch it anywhere. It’s estimated that there are about 1 million cases of sepsis annually in North America, resulting in 300,000 deaths. Worldwide, it accounts for 10 million deaths every year. Sepsis (sometimes called systemic inflammatory response syndrome, or SIRS) strikes when the immune system becomes hyperstimulated as it fights an infection. This causes widespread inflammation that triggers formation of microscopic blood clots. This clotting can reduce blood and oxygen flow, and can cause vital organs to fail. Even though sepsis usually happens in reaction to a bacterial infection, it also can be triggered by a viral, parasitic or fungal infection.
People who have a weakened immune system, children, the elderly, people who are obese and those being treated for chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and asthma are most at risk. In any case, your chances of developing sepsis are slim, but when people do, it is usually because of less-than-perfect sanitary conditions. The most common sites of hospital-borne infections (that lead to sepsis) include intravenous lines, surgical openings (incisions and drains) and anywhere else the skin is compromised, as it is when bedsores develop.
Beating sepsis starts with a quick diagnosis and treatment, usually with IV antibiotics and fluids. Make no mistake; it is a medical emergency.
The best way to avoid getting sepsis? Get vaccinated against many of the infectious diseases that can cause sepsis or make it worse, such as pneumonia. And make sure when you’re in the hospital that your visitors and all health-care providers who come near you wash their hands with sanitizer before they touch you or any medical equipment.

Bonus tip: A surgical center may have fewer of the very bad germs hanging around. We almost always favor a lower-intensity site for many simple procedures, as long as the surgeon has admitting privileges to a high-powered center (a really good hospital) if something doesn’t go just right.
Dr. Mehmet Oz is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Dr. Mike Roizen is chief medical officer at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute. Submit your health questions at www.doctoroz.com.