Willie V. Melvin III, MD, FACS
General & Robotic Surgery
Dr. Willie Melvin
Board Certified General Surgeon
Robotic Surgeon
CLINIC LOCATIONS
TSC Rutherford
515 StoneCrest Pkwy | Suite 230
Smyrna, TN 37167
TEL 615.223.9935 FAX 615.891.5046
Mon – Fri 7:30am – 4:30pm
ROBOTIC PROCEDURES
Robotic Surgery
Robotic Assisted Laparoscopy (RAL)
RAL Stomach Surgery
RAL Gallbladder Surgery
RAL Colon Surgery
RAL Hernia Surgery
LAPAROSCOPIC PROCEDURES
Laparoscopic Appendectomy
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic Colon Surgery
Laparoscopic Hernia Repair
Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication
Laparoscopic Surgery
CANCER PROCEDURES
Axillary Sentinel Node Dissection
Breast Biopsy
Breast Cancer Surgery
Cancer Surgery
Lipoma Removal
Lumpectomy
Lymphadenectomy
Mastectomy
Sebaceous Cyst Removal
Skin Cancer Excision
Skin Mole Excision
Surgical Oncology
GENERAL PROCEDURES
Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair
Adrenalectomy
Anti Reflux Surgery
Appendectomy
Colon Surgery
Endoscopic Placed Gastric Tube
Endoscopic Placed Jejunal Tube
Endoscopic Surgery
Gallbladder Surgery
Gastroparesis
General Surgery
Hemorrhoid Surgery
Hemorrhoidectomy
Hiatal Hernia Repair
Inguinal Hernia Repair
Liver Biopsy
Pancreas Surgery
Parastomal Hernia Repair
Placement of Gastric Electric Stimulator
Port-a-Cath Insertion/Removal
Repair of Recurrent Hernias
Splenectomy
Stomach Surgery
Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF)
TIF for Reflux – Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Medical School:
Meharry Medical College
Nashville, TN
Residency:
St. Joseph Hospital
Houston, TX
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, TN
Professional SOCIETIES:
Society of Robotic Surgeons
Tennessee Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic Surgeons
Fellow of the American Society of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgeons
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
Society of American Gastrointestinal & Endoscopic Surgeons
Southeastern Surgical Congress
American Society of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgeons
American Society of Veteran Administration Surgeons
American College of Surgeons
Stones River Regional IPA
Master Surgeon
Dr. Willie Melvin has earned the Surgeon of Excellence in Hernia Surgery accreditation.
Surgeons of Excellence
SRC awarded the Hernia Surgery accreditation to Dr. Willie Melvin after thoroughly reviewing surgical outcomes data, medical records and internal processes.
GERD treatment options
About GERD Treatment Options
Dr. Melvin offers 3 types of GERD Treatments
– LINX Reflux Management System, Nissen (laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication) and TIF (transoral incisionless fundoplication).
These are all recommended treatments and depend on your case and your GERD specialist’s opinion.
TIF
TIF is an acronym, transoral incisionless fundoplication, and the advantage is that it is ‘surgery from within’ performed through the mouth, not through an incision.
TIF procedure with the EsophyX device is a simple intervention that repairs the gastroesophageal valve, the root cause of GERD. The TIF procedure reconstructs the valve between the esophagus and the stomach to prevent reflux.
- The FDA approved this device and procedure in 2007.
- Minimally invasive: Fast recovery
- Restores valve to natural state: Maintain normal bodily functions
- No incisions: No scars
- No metal implant: No need to remove foreign object
- No dissection of stomach: No scar tissue
Clinical studies show that at three years after the TIF procedure:
- 70% were able to completely stop PPI therapy
- 87% of patients reported reflux esophagitis healed
- 91% of patients reported elimination of troublesome regurgitation
For more information visit gerdhelp.com/
LINX
The LINX® Reflux Management System
The LINX® Reflux Management System is a laparoscopic, fundic-sparing antireflux procedure indicated for patients diagnosed with
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) as defined by abnormal pH testing, and who are seeking an alternative to continuous acid suppression therapy (i.e. proton pump inhibitors or equivalent) in the management of their GERD.
LINX® is a flexible ring of small magnets about the size of a quarter that is placed around the esophagus just above the stomach using a minimally invasive surgical technique.
The strength of the magnets helps keep the valve between your stomach and esophagus closed to prevent reflux. When you swallow, the magnets separate temporarily to allow food and liquid to pass into the stomach.
The procedure lasts about an hour and many patients are able to go home the same day.
The FDA approved this device and procedure in 2012.
99% of patients reported no bothersome heartburn affecting their sleep nightly
91% of patients achieved freedom from daily medication for GERD
97% of patients required no change to their diet from heartburn on a daily basis
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there side effects with LINX®?
The most common side effect is discomfort or difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia. It is often temporary and a normal part of the healing process. For more information on side effects please visit www.linxforlife.com
When can I start eating normally again?
Patients are encouraged to return to a normal diet as soon as tolerated or as directed by their physician.
When can I return to normal physical activities?
Patients are generally able to return to non-strenuous activity within a couple of days.
Can I have an MRI?
Yes. LINX® patients may undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) up to either 0.7 – Tesla (0.7T) or 1.5 – Tesla (1.5T) depending on the LINX® model implanted. You should discuss the MRI scanning options with your physician prior to deciding on treatment with LINX®. LINX® patients can also undergo: CT scan, ultrasound, x-ray and PET scan.
For more information: linxforlife.com
*Torax supplied art/photos for the articles. The LINX® Reflux Management System is indicated for those patients diagnosed with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) as defined by abnormal pH testing, and who continue to have chronic GERD symptoms despite maximum medical therapy for the treatment of reflux. Caution: Federal law (USA) restricts these devices to sale by or on the order of a physician.Contraindications: Do not implant the LINX® System in patients with suspected or known allergies to titanium, stainless steel, nickel or ferrous materials. Warnings: The LINX® device is considered MR Conditional in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system up to either 0.7 Tesla (0.7T) or 1.5 Tesla (1.5T), depending on the LINX® model implanted. Laparoscopic placement of the LINX® device is major surgery. General Precautions: The LINX® device is a long-term implant for use in patients 21 years or older. Medical management of adverse reactions may include explantation and/or replacement. Potential Risks Associated with LINX® System: dysphagia, stomach bloating, nausea, odynophagia, increased belching, decreased appetite, inability to belch or vomit, flatulence, early satiety, device erosion, device migration, infection, pain, and worsening of preoperative symptoms. For more information on the LINX® Reflux Management System, contact your physician or Torax Medical, Inc. For full patient information visit www.linxforlife.com or www.toraxmedical.com. Supported by Torax Nissen information came from Krames info on our website: The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.
Nissen
The Nissen Procedure
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a one-way valve at the top of the stomach. It keeps food and fluid from flowing backward. During fundoplication, the LES is restructured. The Nissen procedure involves wrapping the very top of the stomach around the lower part of the esophagus. Most often, general anesthesia is used. The doctor makes 2 to 4 small incisions in your belly area (abdomen). The scope is put through one of the incisions. The scope sends live pictures to a video screen. This lets the doctor see inside your abdomen. The esophagus travels through an opening in the diaphragm called the hiatus. You have a hiatal hernia if your stomach has pulled up into the chest area. If this is the case, the hiatus is tightened with a few stitches. The stomach is wrapped around the outside of the esophagus. The wrap is stitched into place. Any incisions are closed with stitches (sutures) or staples.
What is heartburn?
Heartburn is a term commonly used to describe symptoms. Most of the burning sensation is the epigastric, or upper abdomen area next to the heart. A lot of patients come in and present to the emergency room with symptoms similar to a heart attack. It goes by the name of heartburn, indigestion, reflux, acid reflux… All of those describe the symptoms presented from the regurgitation of acid from the stomach to the esophagus.
How do you manage heartburn?
Initially, symptoms may present once or twice after a certain event or after certain meals, sometimes we overindulge at Thanksgiving and all of that pressure forces more acid up. The reality is that all of us have reflux; it’s a normal physiological response. The difference is that normally once you get that reflux, there’s an inherent mechanism that flushes away (or neutralizes/clears away) that process. In the standing position, if you have reflux, acid would then go down because of gravity. The alkaline nature of your saliva as you swallow, it neutralizes some of that reflux. The normal valve mechanism that causes things to go in one direction sometimes doesn’t work well and that presents with a pathologic problem of acid reflux disease, heartburn, or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Initially, once heartburn has been treated, sometimes you can get medicines over the counter. A lot of these are more powerful, anti-acid or acid blocking medicine, which is okay once in awhile.
Can you reduce heartburn?
How to reduce initial heartburn:
Adjust your diet
Don’t over eat
Have smaller portions over a day period
Modify your behavior
Don’t eat too late and then lay down
Nissen
The Nissen Procedure
The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a one-way valve at the top of the stomach. It keeps food and fluid from flowing backward. During fundoplication, the LES is restructured. The Nissen procedure involves wrapping the very top of the stomach around the lower part of the esophagus. Most often, general anesthesia is used. The doctor makes 2 to 4 small incisions in your belly area (abdomen). The scope is put through one of the incisions. The scope sends live pictures to a video screen. This lets the doctor see inside your abdomen. The esophagus travels through an opening in the diaphragm called the hiatus. You have a hiatal hernia if your stomach has pulled up into the chest area. If this is the case, the hiatus is tightened with a few stitches. The stomach is wrapped around the outside of the esophagus. The wrap is stitched into place. Any incisions are closed with stitches (sutures) or staples.
Heartburn FAQ
WANT MORE INFO ABOUT GERD/ANTI-RELFUX?
TIF TALK WITH DR. MELVIN
Dr. Willie Melvin, board certified general/advanced laparoscopic/robotic surgeon at The Surgical Clinic | TSC Rutherford, speaks with Andrea Millers from EndoGastric Solutions about anti-reflux (GERD) procedures known as TIF. *GERD – GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease, also referred to as acid reflux or heartburn.
Learn more about what GERD is and what types of symptoms patients can typically feel if they’re suffering from GERD or acid reflux.
HAL-RAR Patient Testimonial
I’m able to hike in these beaufitul mountains today thanks to Dr. Willie Melvin in Smyrna, TN. He’s a surgeon who knows about the HAL-RAR procedure, which is a hemmorhoid procedure. I dealt with hemmorhoids for about 10 years and was miserable not being able to hike or play tennis like I wanted to do. My doctors in Memphis said it was time for surgery. So I looked into the surgery and it was going to be a lot of cutting and cauterizing and it seemed like there should be a better way. After searching online, I found out about the HAL-RAR procedure and called The Surgical Clinic who put me in touch with Dr. Melvin in Smyrna, TN.
ROBOTIC SURGERY IN NASHVILLE
Robotic Surgery in Nashville
In the hands of Dr. Willie Melvin, the minimally invasive precise movements of tiny instruments of the da Vinci Robot may be the way your surgery is performed. Rather than the surgeon’s hands in your body, their hand movements are guiding robotic tools. Using a tiny camera with a light that sends precise videos to a monitor in the operating room theater, Dr. Melvin is able to guide the entirety of the surgical procedure from hand held instruments at a control panel.
This robotic surgical technique means small incisions, the ability for Dr. Melvin to zoom in and magnify the area of concern all with great precision. This targeted surgical approach generally allows patients to recover faster with less pain and less need for pain medications. Making this one of the best procedures available from a general surgeon in Nashville, TN.