Featured article in the Mount Graham Minute- September 2022!

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We’ve all experienced it, lying down to get a good night’s rest when suddenly it hits; the pain in your chest, heartburn, a dry cough, or a sour taste in your mouth. Suddenly, your peaceful night turns into tossing and turning, sitting up in bed, and trying to take any indigestion medication in sight. For some, these symptoms only occur occasionally, but for others, this pain and acid reflux takes over their daily life no matter what they’ve eaten.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, affects the lives of millions of Americans, leaving them constantly worried about what they’re eating, what is causing these problems, or what medication they can take the mask the problem. Has GERD taken over your life, taken you away from outings with friends and family? Has GERD taken away
good sleep and, in turn, caused other serious health concerns? There’s an option for you located right here in the Gila Valley. Our General surgeons, Dr. Bart Carter, MD, FACS, and Dr. Jorden Marble, MD, have been trained to perform the TIF Procedure, an effective and non-invasive procedure that has helped thousands of Americans find relief. Both Dr. Carter and Dr. Marble are highly skilled surgeons and have performed the TIF procedure for years right here at MGRMC.

Dr. Carter and Dr. Marble are trained to restore the natural shape, location, and effectiveness of your esophageal valve with an innovative procedure, stopping your reflux. The TIF procedure uses an oral pathway, so no incisions are needed- and allows the patient a more comfortable and faster recovery process.

The TIF procedure, or Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication, is designed to reposition and reconstruct a durable anti-reflux valve while also tightening the Low Esophageal Sphincter (LES) to restore the body’s natural protection against reflux. It is performed endoscopically through the mouth, meaning there are no incisions, and it ensures you have a quicker recovery time of 6-8 weeks.

To date, the TIF procedure has been performed on more than 27,000 patients worldwide. Due to the unique nature of the TIF procedure, most patients return to work and normal activities within a few days after the procedure, allowing them to get back to life sooner, free of the discomfort of GERD and acid reflux.

For some, PPIs (medicines that work by reducing the amount of stomach acid made by glands in the lining of your stomach) may be managing your GERD symptoms. But when managing your symptoms requires increasing your daily dose of PPIs and the duration, it’s time to schedule an appointment with one of our surgeons.

Reflux, or GERD is a progressive, chronic disease that hurts affects the lives of millions of Americans. But reflux doesn’t need to control your day-to-day forever; visit with your primary care physician to see if the TIF procedure is an option for you.

Both Dr. Carter and Dr. Marble work out of Mt. Graham Surgical Associates, a department of Mount Graham Regional Medical Center. Mt. Graham Surgical Associates is located at 2175 W. 16th St. Suite A, in the brand-new Medical Office Complex behind MGRMC. For questions or more information, visit GERDhelp.com, or call 425-215-1440.