esophyx-tif procedure?

lstek · 01-26-2008, 04:52 PM

Anyone know of anyone that has had this procedure yet? I know it was just recently approved in the US, but there is a surgeon in the bay area starting to do them in february. He will be accompanied by a surgeon from seattle who is a trainer and is currently doing the procedure there. I am looking at the nissen fundo, so this option seems very attractive. No PPI's at single or double dosage have really worked for me........daily burn...now all day/all night since having my kids despite lifestyle changes...no booze,spices, etal....bed up/ tried every antacid and alternative product on the market....NOTHING. Anyway, I am leaning in the esophyx direction and would love some input. My GI of course uses the fall back of the procedure not being tested for long enough, but the data from europs where it has been in use for 2 years looks good. Any thoughts?

baylee61 · 01-26-2008, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lstek

No PPI's at single or double dosage have really worked for me........daily burn...now all day/all night since having my kids despite lifestyle changes...no booze,spices, etal....bed up/ tried every antacid and alternative product on the market....NOTHING.

Were the results of you endo and/or ph tests, etc. consistent with erosion or irritation and injury of esophageal tissue? I'm wondering how many posters endure severe gerd symptoms yet their esophagus tests 'normal'. Are your symptoms proved to be caused by reflux of stomach juices? I 'feel' everything I eat burn through although usually the reflux leaves within 1/2 hour, however, sometimes it can last as long as all day or begin hours after I've eaten. It really doesn't matter what I eat although I've eaten well and exercised for decades.

My quality of life is definitely impacted to an extent, although not quite as much as some of the other posters on these forums. Why would we have to endure until we have all the associated symptoms of reflux (chest pains, hoarseness, sore throat, choking) before we can consider the surgery? I'm on PPI's for 4 months and I think this is as good as its going to get. My GI has no clue about how long I might expect to remain on Nexium even as its not completely effective. The alternative (i.e. not taking Nexium) is an option I'm afraid to consider. I don't like what I've been reading on the nissen fundo procedure but I'm also interested in the esophyx-tif.

lstek · 01-26-2008, 09:16 PM

yes, my PH study results are consistant with erosive reflux. I have tried numerous dietary options, and those have failed as well. One surgeon feels I must have a genetically short LES muscle that is strong(per motility test) by still does not hold the valve together anymore(after 2 pregnancies and 38 yrs of a shortened muscle). I hope one of these works for me, as I am otherwise s*#t out of luck.

lstek · 01-26-2008, 09:37 PM

just out of curiousity, I am wondering what others have tried as far as alternative/diet etc? Here is what I have tried.....ACV, probiotics, digestive enzymes, DGL, chiropractic, osteopath, naturopathic doctor and multiple failed potions, acupuncture and chinese herbs,......western......every PPI available at single and double strengths, baclofen, and finally motilium. All failed to variying degrees. I have also tried quitting wheat, dairy, corn, nuts, coffee, alchohol, spicy food, you name it. I am currently thinking about trying the very low carb diet, but I work out about 1 hr-1 1/2 hours a day so am finding this quite challenging. Anything I have missed that works???

Ol'Line Rebel · 01-26-2008, 10:28 PM

As I said elsewhere with another of these newer "simpler" surgeries - seems the data just aren't good enough. Not enough "victims", and not enough good results as is. Seems no more worth it than Fundo, except that it's "simpler". I've seen from other data showing Esophyx not really any better, and testimonials from people that they have the same issues as fundo - some it works, some it doesn't, some have other consequences that are just as bad as having the reflux, etc. It's as if it's 50/50 iffy.

I wouldn't bother with it or any of the surgeries unless I was really desparate. I think I'll keep hoping they find a medicinal cure for it.