Endoscopic full-thickness plication for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease using multiple Plicator implants: 12-month multicenter study results

Endoscopic full-thickness plication along with argon plasma coagulation for treatment of proton pump inhibitor dependent gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

Most endoscopic anti-reflux interventions for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) management are technically challenging to practice with inadequate data to support it utility. Therefore, this study was carried to evaluate the effectiveness and safety newer endoscopic full-thickness fundoplication (EFTP) device along with Argon Plasma Coagulation to treat individuals with GERD.

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety newer EFTP device along with Argon Plasma Coagulation to treat individuals with GERD.

METHODS

This study was a single-center comparative analysis conducted on patients treated at a Noble Institute of Gastroenterology, Ahmedabad, hospital between 2020 and 2022. The research aimed to retrospectively analyze patient data on GERD symptoms and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) dependence who underwent EFTP using the GERD-X system along with argon plasma coagulation (APC). The primary endpoint was the mean change in the total gastroesophageal reflux disease health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) score compared to the baseline measurement at the 3-month follow-up. Secondary endpoints encompassed enhancements in the overall GERD-HRQL score, improvements in GERD symptom scores at the 3 and changes in PPI usage at the 3 and 12-month time points.

RESULTS

In this study, patients most were in Hill Class II, and over half had ineffective esophageal motility. Following the EFTP procedure, there were significant improvements in heartburn and regurgitation scores, as well as GERD-HRQL scores (P < 0.001). PPI use significantly decreased, with 82.6% not needing PPIs or prokinetics at end of 1 year. No significant adverse events related to the procedures were observed in either group.

CONCLUSION

The EFTP along with APC procedure shows promise in addressing GERD symptoms and improving patients' quality of life, particularly for suitable candidates. Moreover, the application of a lone clip with APC yielded superior outcomes and exhibited greater cost-effectiveness.

Endoscopic full-thickness plication for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and study aims Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a widespread chronic gastrointestinal condition with an increasing worldwide prevalence. This research was a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes of endoscopic full-thickness plication (EFTP) for the treatment of GERD. Methods A comprehensive search of databases was conducted for studies published up to April 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective observational studies that examined the use of EFTP in treating GERD among adult patients. We calculated pooled effect estimates using a random-effects model. Results EFTP significantly improved GERD Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) scores at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up intervals. A considerable proportion of patients discontinued proton pump inhibitors, with cessation rates of 59% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-0.71), 68% (95% CI: 0.58-0.78), and 67% (95% CI: 0.46-0.89,) at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. At 3 and 6 months, 61% (95% CI: 0.54-0.68) and 66% (95% CI: 0.56-0.76) of patients experienced ≥50% improvement in GERD-HRQL scores. EFTP demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with a low rate of severe adverse events. We observed a 6.76% reduction (95% CI: -14.53-1.02) in the percentage of time with esophageal pH <4, a decrease in DeMeester scores, and fewer total reflux episodes. The average procedure time was 22.75 minutes (95% CI: 22.03-23.48). Subgroup analyses suggest that both the GERDx system and the NDO Plicator are effective and safe in treating GERD. Conclusions The findings from our study reveal that EFTP is a safe and effective treatment for GERD patients who have not responded adequately to conventional therapies. Given its minimally invasive nature, effectiveness, and limited adverse effects, EFTP emerges as a compelling alternative to conventional surgical procedures.

Endoscopic full-thickness plication for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux after peroral endoscopic myotomy: a randomized sham-controlled study

BACKGROUND : Endoscopic full-thickness plication (EFTP) has shown promising results in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but its efficacy in GERD after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is unclear. METHODS : In a prospective, randomized trial of post-POEM patients dependent on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for documented GERD, patients underwent EFTP (plication to remodel the gastroesophageal flap valve) or an endoscopic sham procedure (positioning of the EFTP device, but no stapling). The primary end point was improvement in acid exposure time (AET) < 6 % (3 months). Secondary end points included improvement in esophagitis (3 months), GERD Questionnaire (GERDQ) score (3 and 6 months), and PPI usage (6 months). RESULTS : 60 patients were randomized (30 in each group). At 3 months, a significantly higher proportion of patients achieved improvement in AET < 6 % in the EFTP group compared with the sham group (69.0 % [95 %CI 52.1-85.8] vs. 10.3 % [95 %CI 0-21.4], respectively). EFTP was statistically superior to sham (within-group analysis) in improving esophageal AET, DeMeester Score, and all reflux episodes (P < 0.001). A nonsignificant improvement in esophagitis was noted in the EFTP group (P = 0.14). Median GERDQ scores (3 months) were significantly better (P < 0.001) in the EFTP group, and the same trend continued at 6 months. A higher proportion of patients in the sham group continued to use PPIs (72.4 % [95 %CI 56.1-88.7] vs. 27.6 % [95 %CI 11.3-43.8]). There were no major adverse events in either group. CONCLUSION : EFTP improved post-POEM GERD symptoms, 24-hour pH impedance findings with normalization in one-third, and reduced PPI usage at 6 months.

Identification of Sliding Hiatus Hernia by High-Resolution Manometry and Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Patients with Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease

BACKGROUND/AIM

The aim of this study was to compare high-resolution manometry (HRM) and upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy as diagnostic utilities in detecting a sliding hiatus hernia in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) symptoms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

For both diagnostic modalities, the data obtained from 31 patients (20 females; mean age 48.2) who qualified for Nissen fundoplication were analysed using oesophageal pressure topography in line with the Chicago Classification. Confirmation of hiatus hernia during the surgery was considered the gold standard. HRM protocol involved 10 consecutive boluses of 10 mL of water.

RESULTS

Sliding hiatus hernia was confirmed intraoperatively in 29 out of 31 patients. In 14 patients, hiatus hernia was detected in HRM, while 19 patients were found to have hiatus hernia by upper GI endoscopy before surgery. No false positive results were obtained in HRM, while 15 false negative results were shown. In upper GI endoscopy, false positive data were observed in 1 patient, while false negative results were found in 10 patients. Thus, the sensitivity of HRM in detecting hiatus hernia was 48% (95%CIs: 29-67%), and sensitivity of upper GI endoscopy was 66% (95%CIs: 46-82%). It was not possible to assess the specificity of HRM or upper GI endoscopy because only 2 of 31 patients had no hiatus hernia during fundoplication (gold standard). False negative results (sensitivity) were not significantly different between compared diagnostic modalities HRM and upper GI endoscopy (52% vs. 34%, respectively, p = 0.29).

CONCLUSIONS

Due to poor sensitivity, both modalities, i.e., HRM and upper GI endoscopy, are not reliable tools to diagnose sliding hiatus hernia in patients with GORD symptoms.

Endoscopic full-thickness plication for the treatment of PPI-dependent GERD: results from a randomised, sham controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The majority of endoscopic antireflux procedures for GERD are cumbersome to use and randomised long-term data are sparse. We conducted such a trial to determine the efficacy and safety of a novel, easy to use endoscopic full-thickness fundoplication (EFTP) device in patients with GERD.

DESIGN

Patients with proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-dependent GERD were randomised to either EFTP or a sham procedure in 1:1 ratio. The primary endpoint was ≥50% improvement in the health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) score at 3 months. Secondary end points included improvement in GERD-HRQL, reflux symptom scores, PPI usage, oesophageal acid exposure and reflux episodes and endoscopic findings at 3, 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

Seventy patients were randomised; 35 in each group with a median (IQR) age of 36 (29-42) years, 71.4% males. 70% had non-erosive reflux disease on endoscopy with a mean DeMeester score of 18.9 (±19.93). The mean (±SD) duration of EFTP procedure was 17.4 (±4) min. The primary end point was more frequently achieved in the EFTP group (65.7% vs 2.9%; p<0.001). Median (IQR) % improvement in GERD-HRQL was significantly higher in the EFTP group at 6 (81.4 (60.9-100.0) versus 8.0 (2.2-21.6); p<0.001) and 12 (92.3 (84.4-100.0) versus 9.1 (4.8-36.0); p<0.001) months. In the EFTP group, 62.8% patients were off-PPI at 12 months compared with 11.4% in the sham group (p<0.001). pH-metry parameters partially improved at 3 months, (n=70; total reflux episodes in EFTP arm and non-acid reflux episodes for EFTP vs sham) but not at 12 months (n=27); endoscopic oesophagitis was seen in 0% in the treatment (n=18) and 5 (29.4%) in the control group (n=17) at 12 months. No major procedure-related adverse events were encountered in either group.

CONCLUSION

EFTP using a novel device is safe and effective in improving quality of life in patients with PPI dependent mostly non-erosive reflux disease at short and long terms; objective parameters showed a limited response rate.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03322553.

The role of endoscopy in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common disease that may cause a huge economic burden. Endoscopy is performed not only to rule out other organic diseases but also to diagnose reflux esophagitis or Barrett's esophagus. Non‐erosive GERD (non‐erosive reflux disease [NERD]) is called endoscopy‐negative GERD; however, GERD‐related findings could be obtained through histological assessment, image‐enhanced endoscopy, and new endoscopic modalities in patients with NERD. Moreover, endoscopy is useful to stratify the risk for the development of GERD. In addition, endoscopic treatments have been developed. These techniques could significantly improve patients’ quality of life as well as symptoms.

[Update on Endoscopic Therapies for the Treatment of GERD: GERDX, MUSE, EsophyX]

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been a problem for patients throughout in recent decades worldwide and its prevalence is increasing. Until 20 years ago, the established treatments were the proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and varieties of laparoscopic fundoplication (LF). Increasing experience with endoscopy and knowledge of the oesophagogastric junction (EGJ) has led to new options in the treatment of GERD. However, promising short term effects have been found with radiofrequency ablation (RFA, Stretta device), endoscopic mucosal resection (ARMS) for induction of scar tissue at the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) and endoscopic suture devices like GERDX, MUSE and EsophyX to reconstruct the flap valve at the EGJ. Long-term follow-up data and randomised controlled studies in comparison to LF are still rare.

State of Evidence in Minimally Invasive Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux: Findings of a Scoping Review

BACKGROUNDS & AIMS

Endoscopic management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is being employed increasingly. The aim of this scoping review was to assess the volume of available evidence on the benefits of endoscopic and minimally invasive surgical therapies for GERD.

METHODS

criteria were used to perform an extensive literature search of data regarding the reported benefit of endoscopic therapies in GERD. Randomized controlled studies were utilized when available; however, data from observational studies were also reviewed.

RESULTS

A formal review of evidence was performed in 22 studies. Inclusion and exclusion criteria and study duration were noted and tabulated. Assessment of outcomes was based on symptoms and objective criteria reported by investigators. Reported outcomes for the interventions were tabulated under the heading of subjective (symptom scores, quality of life metrics, and change in proton pump inhibitor use) and objective metrics (pH parameters, endoscopic signs, and lower esophageal sphincter pressure changes). Adverse events were noted and tabulated. The majority of studies showed symptomatic and objective improvement of GERD with the device therapies. Adverse events were minimal. However, normalization of acid exposure occurred in about 50% of patients and, for some modalities, long-term durability is uncertain.

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review revealed that the endoluminal and minimally invasive surgical devices for GERD therapy are a promising alternative to proton pump inhibitor therapy. Their place in the treatment algorithm for GERD will be better defined when important clinical parameters, especially durability of effect, are better understood.

Endoscopic Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Revisited

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is defined by the presence of troublesome symptoms resulting from the reflux of gastric contents. The prevalence of GERD is increasing globally. An incompetent lower esophageal sphincter underlies the pathogenesis of GERD. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) form the core of GERD management. However, a substantial number of patients do not respond well to PPIs. The next option is anti-reflux surgery, which is efficacious, but it has its own limitations, such as gas bloating, inability to belch or vomit, and dysphagia. Laparoscopic placement of magnetic augmentation device is emerging as a useful alternative to conventional anti-reflux surgery. However, invasiveness of a surgical procedure remains a concern for the patients. The proportion of PPI non-responders or partial responders who do not wish for anti-reflux surgery defines the ‘treatment gap’ and needs to be addressed. The last decade has witnessed the fall and rise of many endoscopic devices for GERD. Major endoscopic strategies include radiofrequency ablation and endoscopic fundoplication devices. Current endoscopic devices score high on subjective improvement, but have been unimpressive in objective improvement like esophageal acid exposure. In this review, we discuss the current endoscopic anti-reflux therapies and available evidence for their role in the management of GERD.

Critical Assessment of Endoscopic Techniques for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Over the past 2 decades, a number of new endoscopic techniques have been developed for management of gastroesophageal (GE) reflux disease symptoms as alternatives to medical management and surgical fundoplication. These devices include application of radiofrequency treatment (Stretta), endoscopic plication (EndoCinch, Plicator, Esophyx, MUSE), and injection of bulking agents (Enteryx, Gatekeeper, Plexiglas, Duragel). Their goal was symptom relief through reduction of tissue compliance and enhancement of anatomic resistance at the GE junction. In this review, we critically assess the research behind the efficacy, safety, and durability of these treatments to better understand their roles in contemporary GE reflux disease management.

[Reflux and hiatus hernia in the controversy between conservative and operative therapy]

Approximately 20 % of the population are affected by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The subjective clinical and objective pathological extent of the disease is highly variable and the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms extraordinarily diverse. The importance of hiatus hernia for GERD has been intensively debated for decades. Hiatus hernia was initially considered to be at the center of the pathophysiology but later the function of the lower esophageal sphincter was increasingly considered to be of importance. Currently, additional relevant pathophysiological cofactors are being detected with the continuous improvement in diagnostic methods and used for therapeutic decision-making. Despite standardization of the operative technique and increasing criticism on long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, antireflux surgery still requires a very critical assessment of indications based on a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation.

Esophageal motility abnormalities in gastroesophageal reflux disease

Esophageal motility abnormalities are among the main factors implicated in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The recent introduction in clinical and research practice of novel esophageal testing has markedly improved our understanding of the mechanisms contributing to the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease, allowing a better management of patients with this disorder. In this context, the present article intends to provide an overview of the current literature about esophageal motility dysfunctions in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Esophageal manometry, by recording intraluminal pressure, represents the gold standard to diagnose esophageal motility abnormalities. In particular, using novel techniques, such as high resolution manometry with or without concurrent intraluminal impedance monitoring, transient lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxations, hypotensive LES, ineffective esophageal peristalsis and bolus transit abnormalities have been better defined and strongly implicated in gastroesophageal reflux disease development. Overall, recent findings suggest that esophageal motility abnormalities are increasingly prevalent with increasing severity of reflux disease, from non-erosive reflux disease to erosive reflux disease and Barrett’s esophagus. Characterizing esophageal dysmotility among different subgroups of patients with reflux disease may represent a fundamental approach to properly diagnose these patients and, thus, to set up the best therapeutic management. Currently, surgery represents the only reliable way to restore the esophagogastric junction integrity and to reduce transient LES relaxations that are considered to be the predominant mechanism by which gastric contents can enter the esophagus. On that ground, more in depth future studies assessing the pathogenetic role of dysmotility in patients with reflux disease are warranted.

EAES recommendations for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most frequent benign disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Management of GERD has always been controversial since modern medical therapy is very effective, but laparoscopic fundoplication is one of the few procedures that were quickly adapted to the minimal access technique. The purpose of this project was to analyze the current knowledge on GERD in regard to its pathophysiology, diagnostic assessment, medical therapy, and surgical therapy, and special circumstances such as GERD in children, Barrett's esophagus, and enteroesophageal and duodenogastroesophageal reflux.

METHODS

The European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) has tasked a group of experts, based on their clinical and scientific expertise in the field of GERD, to establish current guidelines in a consensus development conference. The expert panel was constituted in May 2012 and met in September 2012 and January 2013, followed by a Delphi process. Critical appraisal of the literature was accomplished. All articles were reviewed and classified according to the hierarchy of level of evidence and summarized in statements and recommendations, which were presented to the scientific community during the EAES yearly conference in a plenary session in Vienna 2013. A second Delphi process followed discussion in the plenary session.

RESULTS

Recommendations for pathophysiologic and epidemiologic considerations, symptom evaluation, diagnostic workup, medical therapy, and surgical therapy are presented. Diagnostic evaluation and adequate selection of patients are the most important features for success of the current management of GERD. Laparoscopic fundoplication is the most important therapeutic technique for the success of surgical therapy of GERD.

CONCLUSIONS

Since the background of GERD is multifactorial, the management of this disease requires a complex approach in diagnostic workup as well as for medical and surgical treatment. Laparoscopic fundoplication in well-selected patients is a successful therapeutic option.

Transoral mucosal excision sutured gastroplasty: a pilot study for GERD and obesity with two-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION

An outpatient transoral endoscopic procedure for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obesity would be appealing if safe, effective, and durable. We present the first in human experience with a new system.

METHODS

Eight patients with GERD (3) and obesity (5) were selected according to a preapproved study protocol. All GERD patients had preprocedure manometry and pH monitoring to document GERD as well as quality of life and symptom questionnaires. Obese patients (body mass index >35) underwent a psychological evaluation and tests for comorbidities. Under general anesthesia, a procedure was performed at the gastroesophageal junction including mucosal excision, suturing of the excision beds for apposition, and suture knotting.

RESULTS

One patient with micrognathia could not undergo the required preprocedural passage of a 60 F dilator and was excluded. The first 2 GERD patients had incomplete procedures due to instrument malfunction. The subsequent 5 subjects had a successfully completed procedure. Four patients were treated for obesity and had an average excess weight loss of 30.3% at 2-year follow-up. Of these patients, one had an 8-mm outlet at the end of the procedure recognized on video review--a correctable error--and another vomited multiple times postoperatively and loosened the gastroplasty sutures. The treated GERD patient had resolution of reflux-related symptoms and is off all antisecretory medications at 2-year follow-up. Her DeMeester score was 8.9 at 24 months.

CONCLUSION

The initial human clinical experience showed promising results for effective and safe GERD and obesity therapy.

Subjective and objective data on esophageal manometry and impedance pH monitoring 1 year after endoscopic full-thickness plication for the treatment of GERD by using multiple plication implants

BACKGROUND

Subjective and especially objective data after endoluminal full-thickness gastroplication are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate symptoms and reflux activity 12 months after gastroplication by using multichannel intraluminal impedance monitoring.

DESIGN

Open-label, prospective, single-center study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral hospital in Zell am See, Austria.

PATIENTS

Subjects without hiatal hernias with documented GERD and persistent or recurrent symptoms despite treatment with a proton pump inhibitor.

INTERVENTIONS

A total of 36 patients underwent endoscopic full-thickness gastroplication with 1 or more Plicator implants.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Mean Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index and reflux-specific symptom scores significantly improved on follow-up (P < .01). Atypical reflux, gas/bloating, and bowel dysfunction-specific symptom scores as well as belching and dysphagia scores improved. Twenty-two patients returned for esophageal manometry and multichannel intraluminal impedance testing 1 year after surgery. DeMeester scores decreased from 20 to 10 (P < .029). The median numbers of total, acid, proximal, upright, and recumbent reflux episodes were all significantly reduced (P < .05). Manometric data were virtually unchanged. The percentage of patients taking proton pump inhibitors on daily basis after the procedure was 11.5%. There was only 1 postprocedure incident (bleeding) that required intervention. Three of 36 patients (8.3%) were considered treatment failures because of persistent symptoms and were assigned to undergo laparoscopic fundoplication.

LIMITATIONS

No randomized comparison with a sham procedure or laparoscopic fundoplication; follow-up interval.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic plication is safe and improves objective and subjective parameters at 1-year follow-up, without side effects seen after laparoscopic fundoplication. Further studies on the clinical merit of this procedure in specific patient populations are warranted.

Diagnosis of Type-I hiatal hernia: a comparison of high-resolution manometry and endoscopy

Sliding Type-I hiatal hernia is commonly diagnosed using upper endoscopy, barium swallow or less commonly, esophageal manometry. Current data suggest that endoscopy is superior to barium swallow or esophageal manometry. Recently, high-resolution manometry has become available for the assessment of esophageal motility. This novel technology is capable of displaying spatial and topographic pressure profiles of gastroesophageal junction and crural diaphragm in real time. The objective of the current study was to compare the specificity and sensitivity of high-resolution manometry and endoscopy in the diagnosis of sliding hiatal hernia in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Data were analyzed retrospectively for 83 consecutive patients (61% females, mean age 52 ± 13.2 years) with objective gastroesophageal reflux disease who were considered for laparoscopic antireflux surgery between January 2006 and January 2009 and had preoperative high-resolution manometry and endoscopy. Manometrically, hiatal hernia was defined as separation of the gastroesophageal junction >2.0 cm from the crural diaphragm. Intraoperative diagnosis of hiatal hernia was used as the gold standard. Sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratios of a positive test and a negative test were used to compare the performance of the two diagnostic modalities. Forty-two patients were found to have a Type-I sliding hiatal hernia (>2 cm) during surgery. Twenty-two patients had manometric criteria for a hiatal hernia by high-resolution manometry, and 36 patients were described as having a hiatal hernia by preoperative endoscopy. False positive results were significantly fewer (higher specificity) with high-resolution manometry as compared with endoscopy (4.88% vs. 31.71%, P= 0.01). There were no significant differences in the false negative results (sensitivity) between the two diagnostic modalities (47.62% vs. 45.24%, P= 0.62). Analysis of likelihood ratios of a positive and negative test demonstrated that high-resolution manometry is better than endoscopy both to rule out and rule in a hiatal hernia. A significant discordance was also observed between the two tests (P= 0.033). High-resolution manometry has better specificity and ability to rule out an overt Type-I sliding hiatal hernia (greater likelihood ratio of a positive test) in patients with GERD. Because of high false negative results, both high-resolution manometry and endoscopy are unreliable for ruling in a hiatal hernia. Negative result for a hiatal hernia by either modality mandates additional testing.

Ensocopic-endoluminal therapies. A critical appraisal

Due to its large prevalence, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is an ideal target for companies developing medical devices designed to cure reflux. Indeed, because medications leave part of the patients unsatisfied, there is a potential place for alternative therapies, capable of restoring an efficacious anti-reflux barrier, but without the drawbacks of surgery. For more than a decade, several novel endoluminal therapies were developed, clinically evaluated, put on the market and, for many of them, withdrawn due to economic considerations, lack of efficacy or complications. These therapies were designed to act on the gastro-oesophageal junction and reinforce mechanically the anti-reflux barrier by three different ways: suturing, radiofrequency energy application, or implantation of foreign materials. Most of the published data come from open uncontrolled studies with short-term enthusiastic results. There are a few randomized control trials assessing the true efficacy of these modalities, showing often less impressive results than the open studies did, due to a high placebo effect in mild gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Although endoscopic treatment of gastro-oesophageal disease is still an interesting topic of investigation, one can draw some lessons from the recent experiences and foresee which place these techniques could find in the management of patients suffering from reflux.

Recent advances in endoscopic antireflux techniques

Heartburn is the most common symptom associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, and life-long proton pump inhibitor therapy is often required to control symptoms. Antireflux surgery is an alternative, but there may be significant side effects and the duration of therapeutic effect is variable. Several endoscopic antireflux techniques (E-ARTs) have been developed to enhance the function of the lower esophageal sphincter or alter the structure of the angle of His with the goal of recreating or augmenting the reflux barrier. Many methods are no longer available, and some await regulatory approval. This article reviews available data for the most common E-ARTs.