New Procedure at White Plains Hospital Offers Relief Without Surgical Incision for GERD Patients

Dr. Philip Weber is First in Westchester to Utilize Cutting Edge New Therapy to Treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Philip Weber, M.D. is the first specialist in Westchester County to perform the new Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication procedure, or TIF, completely without incisions, to treat patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).  Until now, the tens of millions of Americans who suffer from daily heartburn or other symptoms of reflux such as regurgitation, chronic cough, hoarseness and dental erosions relied on daily medications or invasive surgery to relieve symptoms.

TIF, a minimally invasive procedure done through the patient’s mouth, is now an effective alternative available to patients with this irritating and often debilitating condition.  “GERD is an anatomical problem which needs an anatomical solution,” said Dr. Weber, Director, Minimally Invasive Surgery at White Plains Hospital. “Reflux medications like PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) can help relieve patients’ heartburn symptoms but don’t solve the underlying anatomical problems or prevent further disease progression. After the TIF procedure, clinical trials show that most patients can eat and drink foods they avoided for many years.  Reflux no longer impacts their life like it previously did.”

The TIF procedure uses an innovative EsophyX® device and is based on established principles of surgical repair of the antireflux barrier.  It is performed transorally, or through the mouth, and reducing hiatal hernia, creates a valve between the stomach and esophagus to restore the natural, physiological anatomy to prevent reflux.  Because the procedure is incisionless, there is reduced pain, faster recovery and no visible scar. “Recent studies show that 79% of patients remain off of their daily medications after two years following TIF and experience a dramatic improvement in their quality of life,” said Dr. Weber. “We are very enthusiastic about being able to offer this exciting new therapy to our patients.”

For more information about the TIF procedure or to schedule a consultation on the treatment of GERD, contact Dr. Weber’s office at White Plains Surgical Services.  (914) 948-1000.