Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q) recently hosted a Grand Rounds webinar focusing on an advanced, minimally invasive procedure designed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The session, titled “Endoscopic Fundoplication for GERD: Where do we Stand in 2026,” featured Dr. Wasseem Skef, a gastroenterologist and WCM-Q alumnus who currently serves as an assistant professor of medicine at UTHealth Houston’s McGovern Medical School.
During the webinar, Dr. Skef presented the transoral endoscopic fundoplication (TIF) procedure, which repairs the valve between the esophagus and stomach without the need for abdominal incisions. TIF involves passing an endoscope and specialized tools through the mouth into the stomach to reconstruct the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that normally functions as a one-way valve to prevent stomach acid from flowing backward into the esophagus.
Dr. Skef explained that GERD is a chronic condition caused by a malfunction or weakening of this valve, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus and produce symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, bitter taste, difficulty swallowing, and cough. Fundoplication strengthens the valve by wrapping the upper portion of the stomach (the fundus) around the affected valve and securing it in place, thereby enhancing its ability to prevent acid reflux.
In addition to outlining the procedural steps, Dr. Skef reviewed current evidence on the effectiveness and safety of TIF, highlighting that the technique offers a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical fundoplication. The discussion also included criteria for patient candidacy and when such intervention is warranted, emphasizing that the procedure aims to improve symptoms and reduce reliance on long-term medication.
Dr. Skef referenced the Lyon Consensus 2.0, an internationally recognized guideline that standardizes the diagnosis and management of GERD. This framework informs clinical decisions regarding patient evaluation and treatment options, helping ensure appropriate use of interventions like TIF.
The webinar served as both an educational platform and an update on the evolving landscape of GERD management, reflecting ongoing efforts in the medical community to advance patient care through innovative, less invasive therapies.