Factors influencing the outcome of magnetic sphincter augmentation for chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease

Short term safety of magnetic sphincter augmentation vs minimally invasive fundoplication: an ACS-NSQIP analysis

PURPOSE

Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation (MSA) is an FDA-approved anti-reflux procedure with comparable outcomes to fundoplication. However, most data regarding its use are limited to single or small multicenter studies which may limit the generalizability of its efficacy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of patients undergoing MSA vs fundoplication in a national database.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 2017-2020 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) Registry was utilized to evaluate patients undergoing MSA or fundoplication. Patients requiring Collis gastroplasty, paraesophageal hernia repair, and emergency cases, were excluded. Patient outcomes included overall complication rates, readmissions, reoperations, and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 7,882 patients underwent MSA (n = 597) or fundoplication (n = 7285). MSA patients were younger (51 vs 57, p < 0.001), and more often male (49.6 vs 34.3%, p < 0.001). While patients undergoing MSA experienced similar rates of reoperation (1.0 vs 2.0%, p = 0.095), they experienced fewer readmissions (2.2 vs 4.7%, p = 0.005), complications (0.6 vs 4.0%, p < 0.001), shorter mean (SD) hospital length of stay(days) (0.4 ± 4.3 vs 1.8 ± 4.6, p < 0.001) and operative time(min) (80.8 ± 36.1 vs 118.7 ± 63.7, p < 0.001). Mortality was similar between groups (0 vs 0.3%, p = 0.175). On multivariable analysis, MSA was independently associated with reduced postoperative complications (OR 0.23, CI 0.08 to 0.61, p = 0.002), readmissions (OR 0.53, CI 0.30 to 0.94, p = 0.02), operative time (RC - 36.56, CI - 41.62 to - 31.49. p < 0.001) and length of stay (RC - 1.22, CI - 1.61 to - 0.84 p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In this national database study, compared to fundoplication MSA was associated with reduced postoperative complications, fewer readmissions, and shorter operative time and hospital length of stay. While randomized trials are lacking between MSA and fundoplication, both institutional and national database studies continue to support the use of MSA as a safe anti-reflux operation.

Gastroesophageal reflux management after vertical sleeve gastrectomy

VSG is the most used surgical procedure in the world. Among the main complications linked to this procedure is GERD. It is apparent that endoscopic control protocols should be undertaken in all patients recovering from a VSG procedure. This is particularly key when taking into account the large number of patients suffering from GERD that show no symptoms, a situation that in many cases leads to severe esophagitis or even adenocarcinoma. Once the pertinent diagnostic tests have been carried out, the specialist should seek a conservative medical treatment including PPI. In the event that this treatment should fail, the next step to be considered should be a surgical procedure. In this case, the ideal procedure would be a reconversion to gastric bypass due to its low-risk and its results. There are other alternatives such as the Stretta, Linx or ARMS procedures; however, further research is necessary to prove their reliability.

Magnetic sphincter augmentation: laparoscopic or robotic approach?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-the pathologic reflux of gastric contents into the distal esophagus-is the most common benign disorder of the esophagus. Its incidence is at 10-20% of the Western population and it yearly cost of treatment in the USA in 9.3 billion dollars. Although first line treatment for the disorder is medical therapy with proton pump inhibitors, an estimated 30-40% of patients will continue to experience medically refractory GERD. In this population anti-reflux surgery can be offered. Traditional anti-reflux surgery is done via the Nissen fundoplication, a technically difficult surgery with uncomfortable side effects of bloating and inability to belch. Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) of the lower esophagus via the LINX device was introduced a less technically challenging alternative to the Nissen. The LINX provides fewer side effects of bloating and inability to belch and has been adapted widely to the practice of anti-reflux surgery. In this paper we discuss the progression of surgical practices with the LINX, including an analysis of the laparoscopic and robotic approaches to MSA device implantation.

The role of magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) in the gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment pathway: the gastroenterology perspective

Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) is a surgical intervention for well-characterized gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where the esophagogastric junction barrier is augmented using a bracelet of magnetized titanium beads. MSA could be an attractive option for patients with documented GERD who wish to avoid long-term pharmacologic therapy or whose symptoms are not adequately managed with lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic therapy. The 'ideal' MSA patient is one with prominent regurgitation, without dysphagia or esophageal motor dysfunction, with objective evidence of GERD on upper endoscopy and/or ambulatory reflux monitoring. Appropriate candidates with significant hiatus hernia may pursue MSA with concomitant hiatus hernia repair. The increasing adoption of MSA in the GERD treatment pathway reflects research that shows benefits in long-term outcomes and healthcare costs compared with other established therapies in appropriate clinical settings.

Real-world evidence with magnetic sphincter augmentation for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a scoping review

Background

The burden of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is high, with up to 30% of the Western population reporting reflux-related symptoms with or without hiatal hernia. Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) is a standardized laparoscopic procedure for patients who are dissatisfied with medical therapy and for those with early-stage disease who would not usually be considered ideal candidates for fundoplication. The MSA device is manufactured in different sizes and is designed to augment the physiologic barrier to reflux by magnetic force.

Methods

An extensive scoping review was performed to provide a map of current evidence with respect to MSA, to identify gaps in knowledge, and to make recommendations for future research. All the authors contributed to the literature search in PubMed and Web of Science and contributed to summarizing the evidence.

Results

Magnetic sphincter augmentation, especially in combination with crural repair, is effective in reducing GERD symptoms, proton pump inhibitor use, and esophageal acid exposure, and in improving patients’ quality of life. Safety issues such as device erosion or migration have been rare and not associated with mortality. The MSA device can be removed laparoscopically if necessary, thereby preserving the option of fundoplication or other therapies in the future. Contraindication to scanning in high-power Tesla magnetic resonance systems remains a potential limitation of the MSA procedure. High-resolution manometry and functional lumen imaging probes appear to be promising tools to predict procedural outcomes by improving reflux control and reducing the incidence of dysphagia.

Conclusion

A consensus on acquisition and interpretation of high-resolution manometry and impedance planimetry data is needed to gain better understanding of physiology, to improve patient selection, and to pave the way for a personalized surgical approach in antireflux surgery.

Magnetic sphincter augmentation for gastroesophageal reflux in overweight and obese patients

Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) is a successful treatment option for chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease; however, there is a paucity of data on the efficacy of MSA in obese and morbidly obese patients. To assess the relationship between obesity and outcomes after MSA, we conducted a literature search using MeSH and free-text terms in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane and Google Scholar. The included articles reported conflicting results regarding the effect of obesity on outcomes after MSA. Prospective observational studies with larger sample sizes and less statistical bias are necessary to understand the effectiveness of MSA in overweight and obese patients.

Robotic LINX Placement: Is it Worth It?

Background: Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is considered the current gold standard of surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Magnetic sphincter augmentation with the LINX^® device was developed as a less technically challenging alternative that has proven to be a safe and effective surgical antireflux procedure. Despite rapid adoption of the robotic platform in many areas of general surgery, no studies have compared laparoscopic and robotic approaches to placement of the LINX device. This retrospective study is the first to compare the robotic platform with the laparoscopic approach for minimally invasive LINX placement. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of a total cohort of 20 patients who underwent LINX placement with hiatal hernia repair at our institution. Half of the patients underwent surgery using laparoscopy and the other half with robotic technology. Patient characteristics, surgical outcomes, and charge differences were analyzed. Results: We found that there were no significant differences in hospital length of stay, surgical outcomes, use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) postoperatively, or postoperative dysphagia. Patients undergoing robotic surgery had longer operative time (139 ± 25 minutes versus 81 ± 14 minutes, P < .01), higher intraoperative charges ($8980 ± 275 versus $7239 ± 355, P < .01), and higher charges associated with their hospital stay ($45,037 ± 4112.41 versus $39,565 ± 3731.64, P < .01). Conclusions: In comparison with laparoscopic LINX procedures, robotic LINX does not offer superior surgical outcomes in terms of postoperative PPI use, dysphagia, or hospital length of stay. Robotic LINX procedures are associated with increased operative time and overall charges.

[Current aspects of surgical treatment of gastro-esophageal reflux disease]

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is characterized by abnormal reflux of gastric content into the esophagus, pharynx, respiratory tract and oral cavity. In recent years, there has been a significant increase of the incidence of this disease, that significantly aggravates quality of life of the population. The 'gold standard' for treating GERD is anti-secretory therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). However, up to 40% of patients are unresponsive to PPIs even after dose adjustment. Advantages and disadvantages of modern surgical approaches for this pathology are reviewed. Laparoscopic fundoplication including Nissen (360°), Toupet (270°) and Dor procedures (180°) is the most common anti-reflux operation. In addition, new alternative surgical options are also discussed. For example, these are minimally invasive methods such as LINX reflux control system, electrical stimulation of the lower esophageal sphincter and transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF). These methods are less aggressive and have less side effects. A comparative assessment of modern methods of surgical treatment of GERD is made.

LINX® reflux management system to bridge the “treatment gap” in gastroesophageal reflux disease: A systematic review of 35 studies

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications. When medical therapy is insufficient, surgical therapy is indicated and, until now, Laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) constitutes the gold-standard method. However, magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) using the LINX^® Reflux Management System has recently emerged and disputes the standard therapeutic approach.

AIM

To investigate the device’s safety and efficacy in resolving GERD symptoms.

METHODS

This is a systematic review conducted in accordance to the PRISMA guidelines. We searched MEDLINE, Clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL databases from inception until September 2019.

RESULTS

Overall, 35 studies with a total number of 2511 MSA patients were included and analyzed. Post-operative proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) cessation rates reached 100%, with less bloating symptoms and a better ability to belch or vomit in comparison to LF. Special patient groups (e.g., bariatric or large hiatal-hernias) had promising results too. The most common postoperative complication was dysphagia ranging between 6% and 83%. Dilation due to dysphagia occurred in 8% of patients with typical inclusion criteria. Esophageal erosion may occur in up to 0.03% of patients. Furthermore, a recent trial indicated MSA as an efficient alternative to double-dose PPIs in moderate-to-severe GERD.

CONCLUSION

The findings of our review suggest that MSA has the potential to bridge the treatment gap between maxed-out medical treatment and LF. However, further studies with longer follow-up are needed for a better elucidation of these results.

Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation and Postoperative Dysphagia: Characterization, Clinical Risk Factors, and Management

INTRODUCTION

Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) results in less severe side effects compared with Nissen fundoplication, but dysphagia remains the most common side effect reported by patients after MSA. This study aimed to characterize and review the management of postoperative dysphagia and identify the preoperative factors that predict persistent dysphagia after MSA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data of patients who underwent MSA between 2013 and 2018. Preoperative objective evaluation included upper endoscopy, esophagram, high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM), and esophageal pH testing. Postoperative persistent dysphagia was defined as a postoperative score of > 3 for the dysphagia-specific item within the GERD-HRQL at a minimum of 3 months following MSA. A timeline of dysphagia and dilation rates was constructed and correlated with the evolution of our patient management practices and modifications in surgical technique.

RESULTS

A total of 380 patients underwent MSA, at a mean (SD) follow up of 11.5 (8.7) months, 59 (15.5%) patients were experiencing persistent dysphagia. Thirty-one percent of patients required at least one dilation for dysphagia or chest pain and the overall response rate to this procedure was 67%, 7 (1.8%) patients required device removal specifically for dysphagia. Independent predictors of persistent dysphagia based on logistic regression model included (1) absence of a large hernia (OR 2.86 (95% CI 1.08-7.57, p = 0.035)); (2) the presence of preoperative dysphagia (OR 2.19 (95% CI 1.05-4.58, p = 0.037)); and (3) having less than 80% peristaltic contractions on HRIM (OR 2.50 (95% CI 1.09-5.73, p = 0.031)). Graded cutoffs of distal contractile integral (DCI), mean wave amplitude, DeMeester score, sex, and body mass index were evaluated within the model and did not predict postoperative dysphagia. Frequent eating after surgery, avoidance of early dilation, and increase in the size of the LINX device selected decreased the need for dilation.

CONCLUSION

In a large cohort of patients who underwent MSA, we report 15.5% rate of persistent postoperative dysphagia. The overall response rate to dilation therapy is 67%, and the efficacy of dilation with each subsequent procedure reduces. Patients with normal hiatal anatomy, significant preoperative dysphagia, and less than 80% peristaltic contractions of the smooth muscle portion of the esophagus should be counseled that they have an increased risk for persistent postoperative dysphagia.

Systematic review of the introduction and evaluation of magnetic augmentation of the lower oesophageal sphincter for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) is reported to be an innovative alternative to antireflux surgery for patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Although used in practice, little is known about how it has been evaluated. This study aimed to systematically summarize and appraise the reporting of MSA and its introduction into clinical practice, in the context of guidelines (such as IDEAL) for evaluating innovative surgical devices.

METHODS

Systematic searches were used to identify all published studies reporting MSA insertion. Data collected included patient selection, governance arrangements, surgeon expertise, technique description and outcome reporting.

RESULTS

Searches identified 587 abstracts; 39 full-text papers were included (1 RCT 5 cohort, 3 case-control, 25 case series, 5 case reports). Twenty-one followed US Food and Drug Administration eligibility criteria for MSA insertion. Twenty-six documented that ethical approval was obtained. Two reported that participating surgeons received training in MSA; 18 provided information about how MSA insertion was performed, although techniques varied between studies. Follow-up ranged from 4 weeks to 5 years; in 14 studies, it was less than 1 year.

CONCLUSION

Most studies on MSA lacked information about patient selection, governance, expertise, techniques and outcomes, or varied between studies. Currently, MSA is being used despite a lack of robust evidence for its effectiveness.

A budget impact analysis of a magnetic sphincter augmentation device for the treatment of medication-refractory mechanical gastroesophageal reflux disease: a United States payer perspective

BACKGROUND

Medication-refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is sometimes treated with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF); however, this is a non-reversible procedure associated with important side effects and the need for repeat surgery. Removable magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) devices are an alternative, effective, and safe treatment option for such patients who have some lower esophageal sphincter function. The objective of this study was to assess the economic impact of introducing MSA technology (i.e., LINX Reflux Management System) into current practice from a US-payer perspective.

METHODS

An economic budget impact model was developed over a 1-year time horizon that compared current treatment of GERD patients who are medically managed (but refractory) or receiving LNF to future treatment of GERD patients that included a mix of patients treated with medical management only, LNF, or MSA. Resources included within the analyses were index procedures (inpatient and outpatient use), reoperations (revisions and removals), readmissions, healthcare visits, diagnostic tests, procedures, and medications. Medicare payment rates were typically used to inform unit costs.

RESULTS

Assuming a hypothetical commercial insurance population of 1 million members, the base-case analysis estimated a net cost savings of $111,367 with introduction of the MSA. This translates to a savings of $0.01 per member per month. Results were largely driven by avoided inpatient procedures with use of the MSA device. Alternative analyses exploring the potential impact of increasing surgical volumes predicted that results would remain cost saving if the proportion of MSA market share taken from LNF was ≥ 90%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study predicts that the introduction of the MSA device would lead to favorable budget impact results for the treatment of medication-refractory mechanical GERD for commercial payers. Future analyses will benefit from inclusion of middle-ground treatments as well as longer time horizons.

Does Treatment of the Hiatus Influence the Outcomes of Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation for Chronic GERD?

BACKGROUND

Hiatal dissection, restoration of esophageal intra-abdominal length, and crural closure are key components of successful antireflux surgery. The necessity of addressing these components prior to magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) has been questioned. We aimed to compare outcomes of MSA between groups with differing hiatal dissection and closure.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 259 patients who underwent MSA from 2009 to 2017. Patients were categorized based on hiatal treatment: minimal dissection (MD), crural closure (CC), formal crural repair (FC), and extensive dissection without closure (ED). The primary outcome was normalization of postoperative DeMeester score (≤ 14.72). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess which preoperative predictors achieved normalization.

RESULTS

Of the 197 patients, MD was used in 81 (41%); FC in 42 (22%); CC in 40 (20%); and ED in 34 (17%). Normalization occurred in 104 (53%) patients, with MD achieving normalization in 45/81 (56%); FC in 25/42 (60%); CC in 21/40 (53%); and ED 13/34 (38%). After regression, FC was most likely to normalize acid exposure. The presence of a hiatal hernia, defective LES, and higher preoperative DeMeester score were less likely to achieve normalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Hiatal dissection with restoration of esophageal length and crural closure during MSA increases the likelihood of normalizing acid exposure.

Comparison of the outcome of laparoscopic procedures for GERD

A total laparoscopic fundoplication has become the procedure of choice for the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients with normal esophageal motility, with reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery and similar long-term outcomes compared to conventional open total fundoplication. Most controversial surgical aspects are the division of the short gastric vessels and the insertion of a bougie to calibrate the wrap. The anterior 180° and the posterior partial fundoplications lead to similar control of heartburn when compared to total fundoplication with lower risk of dysphagia. However, when performed, 24-h pH monitoring shows pathologic reflux more frequently after partial than total fundoplication. Disappointing results are achieved by anterior 90° partial fundoplication. More recently, a magnetic sphincter augmentation with the LINX Reflux Management System (Torax Medical) and the lower esophageal sphincter Electrical Stimulation (EndoStim) have been developed, seeking for a durable and effective minimally invasive alternative to laparoscopic fundoplication for the treatment of reflux. Both devices seem to be promising, with very low postoperative complications and good short-term functional outcomes. Large randomized controlled trials comparing them with laparoscopic fundoplication over a long period of follow-up are needed to verify their indications and outcomes.