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Are endoscopic antireflux procedures useful?

Nature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology & Hepatology volume 2, pages 4–5 (2005)Cite this article

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common problem in Western countries, and about 80% of patients can be treated successfully by medical therapy with PPIs. Some patients, however, do not desire or do not respond completely to PPI therapy. In addition to surgery, various forms of endoscopic therapy for GERD have been developed, and more than 10,000 patients have been treated with endoscopic antireflux therapies worldwide.

There are three different types of endoscopic antireflux procedures.1 First, plication techniques, in which additional folds are created at the gastroesophageal junction by endoscopic sewing machines (EndoCinch®, Bard, USA or ESD®, Wilson Cook, USA) or full-thickness plication devices (Plicator®, NDO Surgical, USA). Second, implantation of substances to improve the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) barrier (Enteryx®, Boston Scientific, USA or Gatekeeper®, Medtronic, USA). Third, delivery of radiofrequency energy to the gastroesophageal junction (Stretta®, Curon Medical, USA) to augment the barrier function of the LES.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Senior Resident Department of Internal Medicine III, Klinikum, Augsburg, Germany

    Maximilian Bittinger

  2. Head of the Department of Internal Medicine III, Klinikum, Augsburg, Germany

    Helmut Messmann

Authors
  1. Maximilian Bittinger
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  2. Helmut Messmann
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Correspondence to Helmut Messmann.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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Bittinger, M., Messmann, H. Are endoscopic antireflux procedures useful?. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2, 4–5 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpgasthep0071

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