Acid reflux symptoms can hinder a person’s ability to enjoy the foods they love. While most people try to mask the pain with over-the-counter medications, they don't stop the progression of the disease. If left untreated, acid reflux can lead to more serious conditions such as:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is chronic acid reflux
- Barrett's Esophagus
- Esophageal Cancer
How we can help you
At Collin County Surgeons, we want to make sure that a patient knows whether or not they have GERD. Our focus is to help patients adjust their lifestyle in order to manage GERD and its symptoms. When necessary, our surgeon will utilize advanced diagnostic and surgical technology to offer effective treatment options.
Typical GERD Symptoms
- Heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing
- Excessive salivation
- Regurgitation
- Gas and bloating
- Pain or discomfort in the chest
- Intolerance of certain foods and liquids
- Bad breath or a sour taste in the mouth
Atypical/LPR Symptoms
- Hoarseness or laryngitis
- Frequent swallowing
- Asthma or asthma-like symptoms
- Excessive clearing of the throat
- Chronic dry, 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
- Trouble sleeping
The TIF Procedure
Transoral Incision-less Fundoplication, or TIF, is a procedure that repairs the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent acid reflux. Because it is guided by an endoscope through the mouth, this procedure generally requires no surgical incisions. It utilizes the EsophyX device first developed in 2007, and allows us to place sutures to repair the valve in the lower esophagus without the long-term side effects of traditional reflux surgery. Clinical studies demonstrate that TIF patients rarely experience long-term side effects associated with traditional surgeries.
Approximately 80% of TIF patients are able to discontinue their daily medications and avoid the potential risks associated with over-the-counter long-term proton pump inhibitors.
Diagnostic Services Offered
- Upper endoscopy
- Bravo PH testing
- Radiographic swallowing study
Endoscopic Therapies
- Endoscopic transoral incisionless fundoplication {TIF)
Surgical Therapies
- Nissen and partial fundoplication
- Hiatal hernia repair
- Paraesophageal hernia repair
- Heller myotomy