For ARC appointments, call ARC-INFO (512) 272-4636 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Name: Lynda Shanblum Austin Regional Clinic Phone: (512) 420-2738 E-MAIL: lrshanblum@austinregionalclinic.com

December 22, 2010.  Austin Regional Clinic and Cedar Park Regional Medical Center announce a new surgical procedure for patients suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD, commonly known as acid reflux disease, or heartburn).

Dr. Thomas G. Bening, General Surgeon at ARC Cedar Park Medical Plaza, is the first surgeon in Central Texas to perform the new TIF (Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication) procedure, which is basically surgery without an incision.  The first procedure was performed Monday, December 20, at Cedar Park Regional Medical Center, the first hospital in Central Texas to have the EspohyX device for surgeons trained in its usage.

The TIF procedure reconstructs the valve between the esophagus and the stomach to prevent reflux.  It is based on the same well-proven principles of conventional, more invasive laparoscopic GERD surgery.  The advantage of TIF is that it is “surgery from within” – performed transorally (through the mouth).  Because the procedure is incisionless, there is reduced pain, no visible scar, and most patients can get back to their normal activities within a few days.

 “The TIF procedure with the EsophyX device can significantly improve quality of life for our patients,” said Dr. Bening.  “Many patients take reflux medications which suppress acid production to help relieve their heartburn symptoms, and are still unable to eat the foods they want or have to sleep sitting up to reduce nighttime reflux.  Clinical studies show that at two years after the TIF procedure, nearly 80% of patients are off their daily reflux medications and can eat and drink foods and beverages they avoided for many years.  Reflux no longer impacts their life like it previously did.”
For more information, visit www.austinregionalclinic.com, www.cedarparkregional.com, or www.endogastricsolutions.com.

###

Austin Regional Clinic –

Austin Regional Clinic is a multispecialty medical group committed to providing comprehensive health care services throughout the greater Austin area.  Founded by three physicians in 1980, it now provides healthcare to over 350,000 area residents with 19 locations in six cities, including both primary and specialty care. It is unique to the Austin area because of the widespread locations, convenient services and quality assurance programs.

ARC patients enjoy 24/7 access to care with same-day appointments, daytime urgent care, after hours care, and nursing services via telephone through the night. Most ARC offices also offer on-site radiology and lab services and some offices offer specialty programs such as a travel clinic and weight loss programs.  Patients can also request future or same-day appointments from the ARC web site.  For more information, visit www.austinregionalclinic.com.