WCM-Q Grand Rounds discusses advanced treatment for chronic acid reflux

An advanced, minimally invasive, incisionless procedure for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was the topic for discussion at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar’s (WCM-Q) Grand Rounds Live Webinar Series.

The procedure, called transoral endoscopic fundoplication (TIF), involves passing an endoscope and a specialized probe down the patient’s throat into the stomach in order to repair the valve between the esophagus and the stomach, thus preventing acid reflux. The procedure removes the need to make an incision in the abdomen.

The webinar, titled “Endoscopic Fundoplication for GERD: Where do we Stand in 2026,” was given by expert gastroenterologist and WCM-Q alumnus Dr. Wasseem Skef, assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston in the U.S.

In the talk, Dr. Skef explained the anatomical components of the anti-reflux barrier, described how it works, and discussed how its dysfunction leads to GERD. GERD, which is commonly referred to as acid reflux, is a chronic condition in which stomach acid frequently flows back up into the esophagus, which can cause heartburn, chest pain, a bitter taste in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and cough. The condition is caused by a mechanical issue with the lower esophageal sphincter, a circular ring of muscle which, under normal conditions, works as a one-way valve, opening to allow food to pass into the stomach, and then closing tightly to prevent gastric juices from escaping into the esophagus.

In fundoplication, the surgeon folds a section at the top of the stomach, called the fundus, around the weakened valve and fastens it into place. This strengthens the valve so that it no longer allows gastric juices to escape, explained Dr. Skef. In addition to describing the procedure, Dr. Skef also discussed its efficacy, when it is warranted, and outlined relevant safety data. He also discussed the Lyon Consensus 2.0, the leading international medical framework for diagnosing and managing GERD.

WCM-Q’s Grand Rounds Live Webinar Series is delivered by the college’s Division of Continuing Professional Development and is aimed at physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, allied health professionals, students, researchers and educators.

The webinar was accredited locally by the Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Healthcare Professions–Accreditation Section (DHP-AS) and internationally by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).