FOUNTAIN VALLEY – November 02, 2026 -- Patients with chronic acid reflux in South Los Angeles and North Orange County can now get two minimally invasive procedures that rebuild the body's natural anti-reflux barrier, rather than only reducing stomach acid. The MemorialCare Digestive Care Center is expanding its GERD treatment options with transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) and combined TIF with hiatal hernia repair (cTIF).
MemorialCare is one of five hospital-based programs in the region offering both procedures.
TIF rebuilds the weakened valve through the mouth
Reflux is not always just a matter of too much acid. It can also happen when the valve between the esophagus and stomach weakens and lets stomach contents flow back up. TIF uses advanced endoscopy to reconstruct that valve through the mouth, with no external incisions for the valve repair portion of the procedure.
cTIF fixes the hernia and the valve in one procedure
For patients who also have a hiatal hernia, cTIF pairs laparoscopic hernia repair with TIF in one coordinated procedure. "With cTIF, we are not simply reducing acid; we are correcting the structural problem that allows reflux to happen," said Jose Aranez, M.D., medical director of Advanced Endoscopy at the center. He said treating both problems at once can save patients time, reduce costs and minimize the need for multiple procedures.
For appropriately selected patients, the approach may reduce symptoms, improve quality of life and limit long-term dependence on medication. Compared with traditional anti-reflux surgery, TIF and cTIF may offer a less invasive approach, less postoperative discomfort and a quicker return to normal activities.
Who qualifies: otherwise healthy patients with a BMI under 35
Dr. Aranez said both procedures are most appropriate for otherwise healthy patients with chronic GERD who still have symptoms despite medication, or who rely on medication long term. These patients must also have a body mass index under 35. He added that some patients previously may have needed to travel farther for this kind of care.
Evaluation combines endoscopy, reflux testing and imaging
Candidates go through a comprehensive assessment that may include endoscopy, reflux testing and imaging studies. Atif Iqbal, M.D., medical director of the Digestive Care Center at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, works with Dr. Aranez to evaluate each patient. Together they tailor treatment to the patient's anatomy, symptoms and long-term needs.
November is GERD awareness month.