Advanced Techniques in Transoral Fundoplication
Recent developments in both device and techniques of transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) enable the surgeon or interventional gastroenterologist to create a genuine esophago-gastric fundoplication. (Previous techniques were limited to below the Z-line.) Endoscopic appearance, manometric findings, and even pH-metric data support the symptomatic improvement that patients experience. This course will showcase the latest technical developments in transoral anti-reflux surgery, with four live case demonstrations. Our faculty includes Professor Guy-Bernard Cadière, MD, lead investigator in the longest-followed series of patients having a transoral fundoplication. Donald Castell, MD, a world-renowned esophagologist, will discuss current approaches to patient evaluation for anti-reflux surgery. Dr. Steven Rothenberg and Dr. Reginald C.W. Bell will demonstrate the procedure live in coordination with our colleagues Professor Guy-Bernard Cadière, MD; Ted Stathos, MD; Kate Freeman, NP; and Philip Hanna, MD in an interactive forum. Transoral procedures to treat reflux have had a checkered past. Physicians trained in the newer techniques may have questions about the efficacy and durability of this transoral esophago-gastric fundoplication. We recognize these concerns and will endeavor to address them openly in this CME-accredited forum. Interventional cardiology had a similar rocky start. A 70% success rate for angioplasty was acceptable to many patients, who benefited from technology that has subsequently been surpassed. We believe the same will happen here, in clinical practice. We invite you to participate in that process.
Sincerely,
Reginald C.W. Bell, MD; Guy-Bernard Cadière, MD, PhD; Steven S. Rothenberg, MD