For Healthy Abilene

Beat the Burn – Treatment available for GERD (Heartburn)

Chronic heartburn and acid reflux sufferers: Relief is here.

By: John Cole, D.O., Board Certified General Surgeon

Each day more than 15 million Americans experience heartburn, also known as acid indigestion, caused by acid from the stomach irritating the esophagus. Normally, the lower part of the esophagus will block stomach acid from coming back up, but if it relaxes or weakens, the acid will back up into the esophagus.

During an episode of acid reflux, you may taste regurgitated food or sour liquid at the back of your mouth or feel a burning sensation in your chest (heartburn). Sometimes, acid reflux progresses to GERD, a more severe form of reflux. GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. The most common symptoms of GERD include: having heartburn more than twice a week, heartburn symptoms interfering with daily life and over-the-counter medication not relieving the heartburn. Other signs and symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, coughing, wheezing and chest pain --- especially when lying down.

Individuals suffering from GERD may wish to consider a procedure called transoral incision less fundoplication (TIF). This procedure is available in Abilene at Abilene Regional Medical Center. The TIF procedure is based on the established principles of conventional surgical repair of the antireflux valve, except that it is performed transorally (through the mouth). This innovative procedure reduces hiatal hernia and creates a valve between the stomach and esophagus restoring natural, physiological anatomy to prevent reflux. Because the procedure is incision less, there is reduced pain, reduced recovery and no visible scar.

“The TIF procedure can significantly improve the quality of life for our patients; and it offers the same benefits as more invasive procedures, with less risk,” Dr. Cole says. “After the TIF procedure, most patients no longer need, or can decrease, their daily reflux medications and can eat and drink foods and beverages they avoided for years.”

In recent studies, TIF patients reported 80% improvement in quality of life, significantly improved satisfaction and reduction/elimination of heartburn symptoms, and 79% were still completely off daily medication two years after the procedure.

For more information on the TIF procedure or to learn the signs and symptoms of GERD, visit or contact Dr. Cole at 325-428-5600.