Visitors from out of town for TIF Consultations
We appreciate so many patients traveling a great distance to see if they are qualified candidates for reflux surgery or procedures. We want to maximize the value of your time here. There is a great deal of testing that may be required prior to any TIF. Your local gastroenterologist and primary care provider can perform most, or all, of this testing in advance.
Here is a suggested list of testing that we often require for patients.
1. EGD or upper endoscopy. Biopsies of the distal esophagus should be performed to evaluate for Barrett's esophagus. Your gastroenterologist should provide clear pictures of your anatomy, especially any hiatal hernia. Poor quality pictures may necessitate a repeat EGD. It is most helpful if you bring the original color pictures with you. Pictures do not fax or email with good quality.
2. Esophagram- an X-RAY to demonstrate relatively normal motility of your esophagus.
3. Bravo pH probe is required in many patients who have atypical symptoms or don't have a clear hiatal hernia.
4. Esophageal manometry is helpful, but not usually required, as it can be difficult to perform.
A few other tips:
1. Please fill out your patient information packet and send it to us by fax, email, or regular mail at least a week in advance. This will decrease the amount of time sitting in the waiting room and provide as much value as possible to your visit. Not providing paperwork in advance will increase your wait time.
2. Some patients may not be candidates for reflux surgery. A BMI of greater than 36 may preclude successful surgery.
3. We look forward to seeing you and trying to help you stop the heartburn, get off of antacid medications, and improve your lifestyle for years to come.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule and visiting us. We look forward to seeing you.
Here is a suggested list of testing that we often require for patients.
1. EGD or upper endoscopy. Biopsies of the distal esophagus should be performed to evaluate for Barrett's esophagus. Your gastroenterologist should provide clear pictures of your anatomy, especially any hiatal hernia. Poor quality pictures may necessitate a repeat EGD. It is most helpful if you bring the original color pictures with you. Pictures do not fax or email with good quality.
2. Esophagram- an X-RAY to demonstrate relatively normal motility of your esophagus.
3. Bravo pH probe is required in many patients who have atypical symptoms or don't have a clear hiatal hernia.
4. Esophageal manometry is helpful, but not usually required, as it can be difficult to perform.
A few other tips:
1. Please fill out your patient information packet and send it to us by fax, email, or regular mail at least a week in advance. This will decrease the amount of time sitting in the waiting room and provide as much value as possible to your visit. Not providing paperwork in advance will increase your wait time.
2. Some patients may not be candidates for reflux surgery. A BMI of greater than 36 may preclude successful surgery.
3. We look forward to seeing you and trying to help you stop the heartburn, get off of antacid medications, and improve your lifestyle for years to come.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule and visiting us. We look forward to seeing you.
