✦ TIF (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication)

TIF (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication)

Q: Is TIF as good as laparoscopic fundoplication?

TIF is less effective than laparoscopic Nissen for severe GERD or large hiatal hernias — 70–80% vs 85–90% long-term symptom control. For mild-to-moderate reflux without a large hiatal hernia, results are good.

Q: Who is not suitable for TIF?

Patients with hiatal hernias over 2 cm, severe oesophagitis, Barrett's, or large paraoesophageal hernias need laparoscopic surgery. TIF is best for early-stage GERD without significant anatomical disruption.

Q: What is the recovery like?

Liquid diet for 2 days, soft diet for 2 weeks, then normal diet. Mild throat soreness, chest discomfort, and shoulder pain (referred from gastric distension) are common for a few days.

Q: Will I be able to come off PPIs?

Most successful TIF patients reduce or stop PPI medication. Some need ongoing PPI at lower doses. About 30% may eventually need additional treatment if symptoms recur over time.

A specialised endoscope reaches through the mouth to recreate the lower oesophageal valve — no external incisions, no abdominal surgery, day-care recovery.

45–90 min PROCEDURE

Day-Care to 1 Day HOSPITAL STAY

70–80% SUCCESS RATE

3–5 Days RECOVERY

What is TIF (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication)?

Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) is an advanced endoscopic procedure that recreates a partial fundoplication entirely through the mouth — with no external incisions. A specialised endoscope-based device (EsophyX) is passed through the mouth, the gastric fundus is plicated and fastened around the lower oesophagus with polypropylene fasteners, recreating an anti-reflux valve. Dr. Abhishek coordinates TIF at Lux Hospitals for patients with mild to moderate GERD and small hiatal hernias seeking a less invasive alternative to laparoscopic surgery.

How the Procedure Works

Anaesthesia & Endoscopy

General anaesthesia is given; the EsophyX device is passed through the mouth into the stomach.

Retroflexion

The device is retroflexed in the stomach to visualise the gastro-oesophageal junction from below.

Tissue Plication

The fundus is grasped and plicated against the lower oesophagus to create a wrap.

Fastener Deployment

Polypropylene fasteners are deployed to secure the plication, building the anti-reflux valve.

Valve Confirmation

Endoscopy confirms the new valve and identifies any further plication points needed.

Outcomes

45–90 minDURATION

Day-Care to 1 DayHOSPITAL STAY

70–80%SUCCESS RATE

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Completely incisionless — no external scars at all
→Day-care or single overnight stay
→Faster recovery than laparoscopic fundoplication
→No abdominal surgery — no risk of hernia or adhesions
→Reversible if needed — fasteners can be removed later
→Excellent for patients with previous abdominal surgery

TIF is a remarkable advance — for the right patient with mild-to-moderate reflux and no significant hiatal hernia, we can rebuild the anti-reflux valve through the mouth alone. No incisions, faster recovery, and good results in well-selected cases.

— Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TIF as good as laparoscopic fundoplication?+

Who is not suitable for TIF?+

What is the recovery like?+

Will I be able to come off PPIs?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Abhishek Katha and get a personalised treatment plan.

WhatsApp Us ← Back to Treatments