Endoluminal Fundoplication at Jefferson
Jefferson is the first hospital in Philadelphia to offer an advanced surgical treatment for long-term elimination of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The procedure known as endoluminal fundoplication (ELF) requires no incisions and is performed by the highly skilled thoracic surgeons in Jefferson's Thoracic Surgery Program.
Prior to this type of surgery, patients would either have to take daily medication, such as proton pump inhibitor, to suppress stomach acid or undergo open surgery of the stomach and esophagus to reduce symptoms. ELF can potentially eliminate the need to take medication to control GERD.
ELF involves inserting an endoscopic device through the mouth and into the stomach to access and reconstruct the gastroesophageal valve, thereby preventing reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus and throat. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes less than an hour to complete. Because no incision is necessary, you spend less time in the Hospital and have a quicker recovery time as compared to open surgeries. Most patients go home the next day and can return to work and most normal activities within a few days.