Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Occasional acid reflux — what we typically call “heartburn” — is normal for many adults. But severe acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious and long-lasting condition that can have a significant impact on your life, keeping you from the activities you love.

In many cases, reflux conditions can be treated with medicine. But if medications don’t help your symptoms, or if you are at risk from the medication itself, there are surgical options available — including the minimally invasive procedure known as the LINX® Reflux Management System and the TIF (transluminal incisionless fundoplication) procedure.

MultiCare was the first health care provider in the South Puget Sound region to offer these procedures for patients suffering from severe reflux.

What is LINX?

The LINX System uses a ring of tiny magnetic beads that is wrapped around the junction of the stomach and esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter. The magnets open to allow food and liquid down, then close to prevent stomach contents from moving up, strengthening your body's defense against acid reflux.

What is TIF?

TIF is a minimally invasive procedure that restores the normal functioning of the dysfunctional acid reflux barrier/valve by creating a new acid reflux barrier using a novel endoscopic approach that allows for less disruption of the normal gastric anatomy.

What are the Benefits of LINX and TIF?

These surgical treatments provide:

• A less invasive surgery compared to the standard surgical treatment for GERD
• The ability to resume a normal diet sooner following surgery
• Patients go home the same day after surgery
• Minimal side effects, such as being unable to belch or vomit

And, unlike other procedures to treat reflux, these procedures require no surgical alteration to the stomach.

Additional benefits for patients with GERD, include:

• Reducing acid exposure to your esophagus
• Improving heartburn and regurgitation symptoms
• Reducing or eliminating GERD medications

Is LINX or TIF Right for You?

Making an appointment with one of MultiCare's surgeons is the best way to determine if LINX or TIF are good options for you to treat your acid reflux or GERD symptoms.

Three of MultiCare's Puget Sound region surgeons use the LINX System. Call one of them to schedule your consultation today:

• Prakash Gatta, MD, MultiCare Cedar Surgical Associates, Tacoma 253-301-5050
• James Sebesta, MD, MultiCare Center for Weight Loss & Wellness, Tacoma, 253-301-5280
• C. Anthony Kim, MD, Puyallup Surgical Consultants, Puyallup, 253-841-9640