BACKGROUND: While there is evidence of ethnic variation in the prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, few population-based studies examine GERD symptom prevalence amongst the growing Hispanic minority in the US as well as Asians in the West. AIM: To examine the prevalence, awareness and care patterns for GERD across different ethnic groups. METHODS:… Read more »
Transoral incision free fundoplication (TIF) – A new paradigm in the surgical treatment of GERD
An estimated 10 billion dollars is spent treating gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the USA every year. The present article reports a case of the safe and successful use of transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) using the EsophyX90™ device in the surgical treatment of GERD. Link to abstract on PubMed: Yushuva A, et al; J Surg Case… 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 »
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 »
Endolumenal fundoplication with EsophyX: the initial North American experience
EsophyX is a novel endolumenal therapeutic option for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The device is passed into the stomach, where it deploys a series of full-thickness fasteners to create a neogastroesophageal valve. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the safety and characterize the effectiveness of this approach in the initial… Read more »
Transoral endoscopic fundoplication in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: the anatomic and physiologic basis for reconstruction of the esophagogastric junction using a novel device
OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety, mechanism of action, immediate postprocedural anatomic impact on the esophagogastric junction, and short-term efficacy of the first entirely endolumenal antireflux procedure. BACKGROUND: A safe and effective endoscopic antireflux procedure remains elusive. Transoral endolumenal surgery has enormous potential for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other esophagogastric diseases. A… Read more »
Do Acid-Lowering Agents Affect Vitamin B12 Status in Older Adults?
OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between serum vitamin B12 levels in older adults on histamine(2) receptor antagonists (H2 blockers) or proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) over 6 years. Participants: A cross-sectional sample of 659 adults, 60 to 102 years, from long-term care facilities and community ambulatory care (C) in the Bronx. MEASUREMENTS: Patient demographics, serum B12 levels,… Read more »
Cost of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease to the employer: a perspective from the United States
BACKGROUND: Employers pay more than just salary for their employees. Previous studies have largely focused on direct medical and prescription drug costs of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and few have reported on total absenteeism costs. AIMS: To examine the annual cost of illness of GERD in an employed US population by benefit category and by… Read more »