Reflux parameters as modified by EsophyX or laparoscopic fundoplication in refractory GERD

BACKGROUND: EsophyX is a novel transoral incisionless fundoplication device developed to mimic surgical fundoplication. EsophyX fundoplication improves acid reflux parameters in proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-responsive GERD patients but its efficacy in refractory GERD has been scarcely studied. AIM: To assess reflux parameters before and after EsophyX or laparoscopic fundoplication and their relationship with symptoms in… Read more »

Advances in transoral fundoplication for oesophageal reflux

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this review was to evaluate transoral fundoplication devices for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease that have been commercially available within the last 5 years. METHODS: Literature databases including Medline and Pubmed were searched from January 2005 to November 2010. Both blinded and unblinded randomized studies were evaluated. RESULTS: We reviewed the literature for… Read more »

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication after failed EsophyX fundoplication

BACKGROUND: Reflux control may be ineffective in a substantial number of patients after endoluminal EsophyX fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Subsequent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) might be required to relieve symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of LNF after previous EsophyX fundoplication. METHODS: EsophyX failure was defined as recurrence or… Read more »

Transoral incisionless fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease in an unselected patient population

BACKGROUND: EsophyX is an endolumenal approach to the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This report describes one of the earliest and largest North American experiences with this device. METHODS: Prospective data were gathered on consecutive patients undergoing EsophyX fundoplication for a 1-year period between September 2007 and March 2009. During this time, the procedure… Read more »

Endoluminal fundoplication (ELF) for GERD using EsophyX: a 12-month follow-up in a single-center experience

BACKGROUND: Several endoscopic antireflux therapies have been proposed to reduce the need for chronic medical therapy or laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and mid-term clinical results of endoluminal fundoplication (ELF) with EsophyX. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 2006 to April 2008, 20 patients were… Read more »

Antireflux ‘barriers’: problems with patient recruitment for a new endoscopic antireflux procedure

BACKGROUND: Most first-generation endoscopic antireflux procedures (EARPs) have been withdrawn because of variable success rates, economic considerations, and/or complications. As a result, subsequent methods may meet ‘skepticism’ by physicians and patients. AIMS: To identify potential barriers to patient recruitment for a new EARP METHODS: We prospectively analyzed our recruitment for a phase 2 study of… Read more »

What is left of the endoscopic antireflux devices?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We critically analyze existing endoscopy-based interventions for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The focus is on the effectiveness of available procedures and to delineate goals for future research. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent evaluations of the EndoCinch system reveal poor long-term results and no significant improvement over sham therapy due to poor apposition of mucosa… Read more »