OMEGA VALVE RECONSTRUCTION
The 0mega Valve refers to a proposed optimal configuration of the gastroesophageal flap valve (GEFV) that can be created during antireflux surgery.
What is the significance of the Omega Valve
The 0mega Valve is characterized by its distinctive omega (Ω) shape when viewed endoscopically. This concept emerged from collaboration between GI surgeons and gastroenterologists performing combined laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with transoral incisionless fundoplication. By observing the same procedure from both laparoscopic and endoscopic perspectives, the teams gained new insights into what constitutes an ideal antireflux barrier. This understanding has led to proposed technical modifications of current fundoplication techniques to better construct the surgical GEFV. In keeping with this trend, Dr. Chiasson began performing laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair in combination with the TIF procedure – the so-called cTIF procedure. More recently, he has continued to evolve his practice by combining laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair and Omega Valve Reconstruction using an entirely laparoscopic/robotic suturing technique. He feels that using permanent sutures to create the Omega Valve results in a more secure and robust valve reconstruction.
Who is a candidate for a combined Hiatal Hernia repair / Omega Valve Reconstruction?
This treatment option is best suited for those patients with a small or medium sized Type I hiatal hernia with severe GERD/LPRD. In these repairs, the short gastric blood vessels do not need to be divided in order to repair the hernia
How does the Omega Valve Reconstruction differ from the traditional fundoplication procedures?
The traditional fundoplications (Nissen, Toupet, etc.) create mechanical barriers through various degrees of gastric wrap around the esophagus. This generally means that the short gastric vessels need to be divided in order to have adequate length for the wrap..
What are the Advantages of the Omega Valve Reconstruction Procedures?
The Omega Valve Reconstruction procedures (TIF, c-TIF, and Laparoscopic/Robotic Hiatal Hernia-Omega Valve) are safe and effective in properly selected GERD/LPRD patients. They provide good symptomatic relief and reduced PPI use in observational and cohort studies. There is speculation that the Omega Valve repair might provide an even better antireflux barrier. More importantly, they appear to result in fewer gas/bloat side effects that traditional fundoplication procedures.
Who is a candidate for a Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication?
The Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication is suited in patients with GERD/LPRD with no significant hiatal hernia. This generally represents a small population of patients with severe GERD/LPRD. Finally, there is recent published data that suggests that the TIF procedure can be used as a revision procedure for patients who have had a prior fundoplication and are having recurrent heartburn symptoms.
READY TO GET STARTED WITH DR. CHIASSON?
In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and older, were overweight. Of these over 650 million were obese. You are not alone and you do not need to feel any less of a person if you are overweight or obese. Take action now and increase your quality of life with Dr. Patrick Chiasson, the leading Tucson Bariatric Surgeon.