Coastal Carolina Hospital is the first hospital in the Lowcountry to perform a TIF procedure. Dr. Carlos Montenegro completed the surgery and believes it can provide great benefit to those in the Lowcountry with gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD.

“The TIF procedure can significantly improve quality of life for our patients,” said Dr. Montenegro. “Many reflux patients are unable to drink alcohol, carbonated beverages, caffeine or eat rich foods or fruit without triggering reflux. They may also have to sleep at an angle to reduce nighttime reflux.”

The TIF procedure (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication) is performed without incisions to repair the anti-reflux barrier through the mouth with an endoscope. This procedure can reduce a hiatal hernia and helps the body rebuild the valve between the stomach and esophagus, restoring the natural anatomy to prevent GERD.

“GERD is a common disease that impacts one in five adults and can be complicated to fully diagnose,” said Joel Taylor, Chief Executive Officer. “Coastal Carolina Hospital decided to address this disease by bringing this procedure to the Lowcountry.”

Over twenty million Americans suffer with daily heartburn or other symptoms of reflux such as regurgitation, chronic cough, hoarseness and dental erosions. Until recently, these people faced either a lifetime of daily medications, and often incomplete resolution of their symptoms, or the risks of invasive surgery. Now, the TIF procedure can help alleviate these symptoms.

For more information or to interview about the procedure, please contact Daisy Burroughs at 803-833-0104 or email [email protected].