Long-term cost-effectiveness of medical, endoscopic and surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Surgery. 2015;157:126-136. [PMID: 25262216 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2014.05.027]

Endoscopic radiofrequency Stretta therapy reduces proton pump inhibitor dependency and the need for anti-reflux surgery for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Radiofrequency treatment of the gastroesophageal junction using the Stretta procedure for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is observed to improve the symptoms and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) dependence and reduce the need for anti-reflux operations. As one of the largest studies in Europe, we evaluated the clinical outcomes of Stretta in patients with medically refractory GERD.

METHODS

A tertiary UK center evaluated all patients with refractory GERD who underwent Stretta between 2014 and 2022. Patients and primary care professionals were contacted to obtain information regarding the initiation of PPI and reintervention after Stretta.

RESULTS

Of the 195 patients (median age, 55 years; 116 women [59.5%]) who underwent Stretta, PPI-free period (PFP) data were available for 144 (73.8%) patients. Overall, 66 patients (45.8%) did not receive PPI after a median follow-up of 55 months. Six patients (3.1%) underwent further interventions. The median PFP after Stretta was 41 months. There was a significant negative correlation between PFP and age (p=0.007), with no differences between sexes (p=0.96). Patients younger than 55 years of age had a longer PFP than their older counterparts (p=0.005). Younger males had a significantly longer PFP than older males (p=0.021). However, this was not observed in the female cohort (p=0.09) or between the younger men and women (p=0.66).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that Stretta is a safe and feasible option for treating refractory GERD, especially in younger patients. It prevents further anti-reflux interventions in most patients and increases the lead-time to surgery in patients with refractory GERD.

Feasibility Study on Endoscopic Balloon-Assisted Laser Treatment (EBLT) of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in In Vivo Porcine Model

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been growing globally, with an increasing burden on the healthcare system due to multiple factors, such as aging and obesity. The current study evaluated the feasibility of endoscopic balloon-assisted laser treatment (EBLT) in a porcine model. GERD was initially developed in three animals via botulinum toxin injection into lower esophageal sphincter (LES). A week after the injection, the EBLT was performed on the GERD-developed models (control = 1 vs. treated = 2). A dose of 30 W of 980 nm laser light was endoscopically applied for 90 s to the LES. Both endoscopic ultrasound and manometry were performed before and after the EBLT. After 12 weeks, esophageal tissues were extracted and prepared for histological analysis. The maximum mucosa temperature was below 50 °C during the EBLT. Compared to control, the treated group yielded thicker and shorter LES muscle layers and maintained LES pressure. Through histology, the EBLT reinforced the muscularis layer with preserved mucosa and mild remodeling of the intermuscular collagen in the LES. The current study demonstrated the feasibility of EBLT as a new endoscopic approach for GERD. Further studies will examine the EBLT in a larger number of animals to warrant efficacy and safety for clinical translations.

Current management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease-treatment costs, safety profile, and effectiveness: a narrative review

Background

The purpose of this study was to review the current management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), including treatment costs, safety profile and effectiveness.

Methods

A literature review was performed of randomized-controlled trials, systematic reviews, Cochrane reports and National/Societal guidelines of the medical, endoscopic and surgical management of GORD. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prescribing patterns and expenditure were reviewed in different countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK and USA.

Results

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are primarily indicated for control of GORD, Helicobacter pylori eradication (combined with antibiotics), preventing NSAID-induced gastrointestinal bleeding and treating peptic ulcer disease. There is widespread overprescribing of PPIs in Western and Eastern nations in terms of indication and duration, with substantial expense for national health providers. Despite a favourable short-term safety profile, there are observational associations of adverse effects with long-term PPIs. These include nutrient malabsorption, enteric infections and cardiovascular events. The prevalence of PPI use makes their long-term safety profile clinically relevant. Cost-benefit, symptom control and quality-of-life outcomes favour laparoscopic fundoplication rather than chronic PPI treatment. Laparoscopic fundoplication in long-term management of PPI-responsive GORD is supported by SAGES, NICE and ACG, and PPI-refractory GORD by AGA and SAGES guidelines. The importance of establishing a definitive diagnosis prior to invasive management is emphasized, especially in PPI-refractory heartburn.

Conclusions

We examined evidence-based guidelines for PPI prescribing and deprescribing in primary care and hospital settings and the need for PPI stewardship and education of health professionals. This narrative review presents the advantages and disadvantages of surgical, endoscopic and medical management of GORD, which may assist in shared decision making and treatment choice in individual patients.This paper was presented (GS020) at the 88th RACS Annual Scientific Conference, 6-10 May, 2019.

Transoral incisionless fundoplication is cost-effective for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Background and study aims  Given the sizable number of patients with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) despite proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, non-pharmacologic treatment has become increasingly utilized. The aim of this study was to analyze the cost-effectiveness of medical, endoscopic, and surgical treatment of GERD. Patients and methods  A deterministic Markov cohort model was constructed from the US healthcare payer's perspective to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of three competing strategies: 1) omeprazole 20 mg twice daily; 2) transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF 2.0); and 3) laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication [LNF]. Cost was reported in US dollars with health outcomes recorded in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Ten-year and lifetime time horizons were utilized with 3 % discount rate and half-cycle corrections applied. The main outcome was incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) with a willingness-to-pay threshold of $ 100,000 per QALY. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were also performed. Results  In our base-case analysis, the average cost of TIF 2.0 was $ 13,978.63 versus $ 17,658.47 for LNF and $ 10,931.49 for PPI. Compared to the PPI strategy, TIF 2.0 was cost-effective with an incremental cost of $ 3,047 and incremental effectiveness of 0.29 QALYs, resulting in an ICER of $ 10,423.17 /QALY gained. LNF was strongly dominated by TIF 2.0. Over a lifetime horizon, TIF 2.0 remained the cost-effective strategy for patients with symptoms despite twice-daily 20-mg omeprazole. TIF 2.0 remained cost-effective after varying parameter inputs in deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses and for scenario analyses in multiple age groups. Conclusions  Based upon this study, TIF 2.0 was cost-effective for patients with symptomatic GERD despite low-dose, twice-daily PPI.

Recent Advances in the Endoscopic Management of Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disorder: A Review of Literature

Gastro-esophageal reflux disorder (GERD) is the most common gastrointestinal tract disorder with high morbidity and heavy economic burden. Despite being treated with high-dose proton-pump inhibitors or H2 receptor blockers, a considerable percentage of patients have GERD that is only partially controlled or refractory. The majority of these patients forego surgical treatment for fear of adverse outcomes, putting them at a financial disadvantage and causing loss of productivity. Untreated GERD is the sole known risk factor for developing Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma if left untreated. With the advancement in therapeutic modalities in recent years, and given the issues such as medication compliance, the risk of adverse events with long-term antisecretory treatment, and fear of undergoing surgical treatment, endoscopic treatments such as Stretta and transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) have become a safe, cost-effective, and resilient option for the treatment of refractory GERD. Patients with refractory GERD ineligible for endoscopic therapies due to a large hiatal hernia can have their hiatal hernia corrected simultaneously with TIF (C-TIF). For the treatment of refractory GERD, endoscopic therapy is a viable and compelling option. Endoscopic therapies for refractory GERD patients are highly recommended due to their reproducible and standardized results as well as the potential to address the fundamental mechanical issue.

Endoscopic and Surgical Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Approximately, 10% to 15% of patients in the United States experience gastroesophageal reflux symptoms on a weekly basis, negatively affecting the quality of life and increasing the risk of reflux-related complications. For patients with symptoms recalcitrant to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy or those who cannot take PPIs, surgical fundoplication is the gold standard. The preoperative workup is complex but vital for operative planning and ensuring good postoperative outcomes. Most patients are highly satisfied after fundoplication, though transient dysphagia, gas bloating, and resumption of PPI use are common postoperatively. Multiple newer technologies offer safe alternatives to fundoplication with similar outcomes.

Endoscopic anti-reflux therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease has an increasing incidence and prevalence worldwide. A significant proportion of patients have a suboptimal response to proton pump inhibitors or are unwilling to take lifelong medication due to concerns about long-term adverse effects. Endoscopic anti-reflux therapies offer a minimally invasive option for patients unwilling to undergo surgical treatment or take lifelong medication. The best candidates are those with a good response to proton pump inhibitors and without a significant sliding hiatal hernia. Transoral incisionless fundoplication and nonablative radiofrequency are the techniques with the largest body of evidence and that have been tested in several randomized clinical trials. Band-assisted ligation techniques, anti-reflux mucosectomy, anti-reflux mucosal ablation, and new plication devices have yielded promising results in recent noncontrolled studies. Nonetheless, the role of endoscopic procedures remains controversial due to limited long-term and comparative data, and no consensus exists in current clinical guidelines. This review provides an updated summary focused on the patient selection, technical details, clinical success, and safety of current and future endoscopic anti-reflux techniques.

The Outcome of Endoscopic Radiofrequency Anti-Reflux Therapy (STRETTA) for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Patients with Previous Gastric Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background/Aims

STRETTA improves the quality of life and reduces the need for anti-reflux medication in select patients, especially those with uncomplicated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We aimed to review the outcomes of STRETTA in patients with medically refractory GERD, who had undergone previous gastric surgery.

Methods

This was a review of a prospective database in a British center. Since 2016, all GERD patients who underwent STRETTA and had a history of previous gastric surgery were studied (n=11). Anti-reflux medication pre- and post-STRETTA was evaluated. The outcomes were assessed objectively by the change in anti-reflux medication and subjectively through a pre- and post-procedure GERD-health-related quality of life (HRQL) questionnaire.

Results

The median length of follow-up was 23 months. Nine patients demonstrated improved GERD-HRQL scores following STRETTA (82%). Of the 7 patients who underwent fundoplication, all reported improved symptoms, with 3 patients discontinuing the medication and 3 patients on a reduced dose of proton pump inhibitor. Four patients underwent surgery other than fundoplication, of which 2 reported improvement and discontinued the proton pump inhibitor. Two patients reported no improvement.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that STRETTA is successful in reducing refractory GERD in patients with previous gastric surgery. The outcomes were comparable to published outcomes in patients with uncomplicated GERD with no previous history of gastric surgery.

Novel Interdisciplinary Approach to GERD: Concomitant Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair with Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication

BACKGROUND

Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) is an endoscopic alternative for the treatment of GERD. However, TIF does not address the hiatal hernia (HH). We present a novel approach with a laparoscopic HH repair followed by same-session TIF, coined concomitant transoral incisionless fundoplication (cTIF). The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of cTIF in a collaborative approach between Gastroenterology and surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients with confirmed GERD and >2 cm HH who underwent cTIF between 2018 and 2020 were included. Symptoms were assessed using the Reflux Disease Questionnaire, GERD Health-Related Quality of Life Index, and the Reflux Symptom Index pre and post cTIF. One-way ANOVA and paired samples t-test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Sixty patients underwent cTIF (53% were men, mean age was 59.3 years) with 100% technical success. Mean ± SD HH measurement on endoscopy was 2.9 ± 1.5 cm. Scores on Reflux Disease Questionnaire for symptom frequency and symptom severity improved significantly from before to 6 months after cTIF (17.4 to 4.72; p < 0.01 and 16.7 to 4.56; p < 0.05, respectively). According to the GERD Health-Related Quality of Life Index, significant decreases were seen post cTIF in heartburn (23.26 to 7.37; p < 0.01) and regurgitation (14.26 to 0; p = 0.05). Reflux Symptom Index similarly decreased after cTIF (17.7 to 8.1 post cTIF; p < 0.01). Mean DeMeester score decreased from 43.7 to 4.9 and acid exposure time decreased from 12.7% to 1.28% post cTIF (p = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

We present a novel multidisciplinary approach to GERD using a combined endoscopic and surgical approach with close collaboration between Gastroenterology and surgery. Our results suggest that cTIF is safe and effective in reducing reflux symptoms in a large spectrum of GERD patients.

Mind the Gap: Current Treatment Alternatives for GERD Patients Failing Medical Treatment and Not Ready for a Fundoplication

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is associated with Barrett esophagus, esophageal adenocarcinoma, and significantly impacts quality of life. Medical management is the first line therapy with surgical fundoplication as an alternative therapy. However, a small portion of patients who fail medical therapy are referred for surgical consultation. This creates a "gap" in therapy for those patients dissatisfied with medical therapy but are not getting referred for surgical consultation. Three procedures have been designed to address these patients. These include radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the lower esophageal sphincter, transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF), and magnetic sphincter augmentation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A Pubmed literature review was conducted of all publications for RFA, TIF, and MSA. Four most common endpoints for the 3 procedures were compared at different intervals of follow-up. These include percent of patients off proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), GERD-HRQL score, DeMeester score, and percent of time with pH <4. A second query was performed for patients treated with PPI and fundoplications to match the same 4 endpoints as a control.

RESULTS

Variable freedom from PPI was reported at 1 year for RFA with a weighted mean of 62%, TIF with a weighted mean of 61%, MSA with a weighted mean of 85%, and fundoplications with a weighted mean of 84%. All procedures including PPIs improved quality-of-life scores but were not equal. Fundoplication had the best improvement followed by MSA, TIF, RFA, and PPI, respectively. DeMeester scores are variable after all procedures and PPIs. All MSA studies showed normalization of pH, whereas only 4 of 17 RFA studies and 3 of 11 TIF studies reported normalization of pH.

CONCLUSIONS

Our literature review compares 3 rival procedures to treat "gap" patients for gastroesophageal reflux disease with 4 common endpoints. Magnetic sphincter augmentation appears to have the most reproducible and linear outcomes but is the most invasive of the 3 procedures. MSA outcomes most closely mirrors that of fundoplication.

Rethinking gastroesophageal reflux disorder

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common clinical condition for which our understanding has evolved over the past decades. It is now considered a cluster of phenotypes with numerous anatomical and physiological abnormalities contributing to its pathophysiology. As such, it is important to first understand the underlying mechanism of the disease process for each patient before embarking on therapeutic interventions. The aim of our paper is to highlight the mechanisms contributing to GERD and review investigations and interpretation of these results. Finally, the paper reviews the available treatment modalities for this condition, ranging from medical intervention, endoscopic options through to surgery and its various techniques.

The characteristics of antireflux surgery compared to proton pump inhibitor treatment in Korea: a nationwide study using claim data from 2007 to 2016

Purpose

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is not widely used in Korea, but published data suggest that its results are comparable to those of Western countries. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics, medical utilization, and medical costs of antireflux surgery and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatments.

Methods

We used Korean patients who underwent fundoplication (n = 342, surgery group) and a 25% random sample of all patients diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who were prescribed PPIs for more than 12 weeks (n = 130,987, medication group) between 2007 to 2016. We compared medical costs and utilization between the 2 groups.

Results

The average cost of fundoplication was $4,631. The costs of GERD treatment in the first year after surgery and during the follow-up period were $78.1 and $50.1 per month, respectively. In the surgery group, the average monthly medical expenses decreased as the year progressed, but the average monthly medical expenses ($137.5 per month) did not decrease in the medication group. After stratifying by age group, the medical costs of the surgery group were lower than those of the medication group for all ages except for patients between the ages of 70 and 79. The cost difference between the 2 groups was prominent between the ages of 20 and 49.

Conclusion

This study showed that a significant decrease in cost was observed 1 year after surgery, and it was more apparent in younger patients. Further research is needed to determine the appropriateness of antireflux surgery for each group of patients.

Anti-reflux Surgery Versus Proton Pump Inhibitors for Severe Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Cost-Effectiveness Study in Korea

Background/Aims

The economic burden for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has recently increased in Asian countries. This study investigates the cost-effectiveness between anti-reflux surgery and medication, with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for GERD in Korea.

Methods

We used a decision tree and Markov model to obtain the costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of the surgical and medical strategies. Our target cohort was the severe GERD patients aged 50 years old who required a continuous double dose of PPIs. The time horizon was 10 years and all estimates were discounted at 5% per year. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of the anti-reflux surgery compared with medication with PPIs was calculated. Sensitivity analyses were performed on all relevant variables.

Results

The cost-utility analysis indicated anti-reflux surgery was more cost-effective than medication among severe GERD patients over a 10-year period. The model predicted that the surgical strategy had a cost savings of $551 and the QALYs had a gain of 1.18 as compared with the medical strategy. The break-even point in costs of the anti-reflux surgery over the medication was estimated to be 9 years. Sensitivity analyses using the varying parameter assumptions demonstrated the robustness of the study results.

Conclusions

This study showed anti-reflux surgery was less expensive and more effective therapy over the PPI medication after 9 years of follow-up. This suggests the surgical strategy is a cost-effective alternative to PPI medication among patients who need long-term management for GERD in Korea.

Cost-effective Analysis of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Long-term Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Narrative Review

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that results from regurgitation of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. Treatment available for GERD includes lifestyle changes, antacids, histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H₂RAs), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and anti-reflux surgery. Aim: The aim of this review is to assess the cost-effectiveness of the use of PPIs in the long-term management of patients with GERD. Method: We searched in PubMed to identify related original articles with close consideration based on inclusion and exclusion criteria to choose the best studies for this narrative review. The first section compares the cost-effectiveness of PPIs with H₂RAs in long-term heartburn management. The other sections shall only discuss the cost-effectiveness of PPIs in 5 different strategies, namely, continuous (step-up, step-down, and maintenance), on-demand, and intermittent therapies. Results: Of 55 articles published, 10 studies published from 2000 to 2015 were included. Overall, PPIs are more effective in relieving heartburn in comparison with ranitidine. The use of PPIs in managing heartburn in long-term consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) has higher cost compared with H₂RA. However, if the decision-maker is willing to pay more than US$174 788.60 per extra quality-adjusted life year (QALY), then the optimal strategy is traditional NSAID (tNSAID) and PPIs. The probability of being cost-effective was also highest for NSAID and PPI co-therapy users. On-demand PPI treatment strategy showed dominant with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of US$2197 per QALY gained and was most effective and cost saving compared with all the other treatments. The average cost-effectiveness ratio was lower for rabeprazole therapy than for ranitidine therapy. Conclusion: Our review revealed that long-term treatment with PPIs is effective but costly. To achieve long-term cost-effective approach, we recommend on-demand approach to treat heartburn symptoms, but if the symptoms persist, treatment with continuous step-down therapy should be applied.

How to choose among fundoplication, magnetic sphincter augmentation or transoral incisionless fundoplication

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To examine current trends and research in nonmedical approaches to the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

RECENT FINDINGS

Long-term studies of GERD patients treated with transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) have found that a large portion of patients resume proton pump inhibitor therapy. In patients with uncomplicated GERD, magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) shows excellent short-term results in both patient satisfaction and physiologic measures of GERD, with fewer postoperative side-effects than fundoplication, although dysphagia can be problematic.

SUMMARY

Fundoplication remains the standard of care for patients with GERD complicated by hiatal hernias more than 2 cm, Barrett's esophagus and/or grade C and D erosive esophagitis. For the patient with uncomplicated GERD, MSA appears to be a viable alternative that has greater technical standardization and fewer postoperative side-effects than fundoplication. TIF remains an option for patients with refractory GERD who refuse surgical intervention.

Healthcare spending and utilization following antireflux surgery: examining costs and reasons for readmission

BACKGROUND

While clinical outcomes have been reported for anti-reflux surgery (ARS), there are limited data on post-operative encounters, including readmission, and their associated costs. This study evaluates healthcare utilization during the 90-day post-operative period following ARS including fundoplication and/or paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repair.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from the Truven Health MarketScan^® Databases. Patients older than 16 years with an ICD-9 procedure code or Common Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for ARS and a primary diagnosis of GERD during 2012-2014 were selected. Healthcare spending and utilization on emergency department (ED) visits, performance of outpatient endoscopy, and readmission were examined. Reasons for readmission were classified based on ICD-9 code.

RESULTS

A total of 40,853 patients were included in the cohort with a mean age of 49 years and females comprising 76.0%. Mean length of stay was 1.4 days, and 93.0% of patients underwent a laparoscopic approach. The mean cost of the index surgical admission was $24,034. Readmission occurred in 4.2% of patients, and of those, 26.3% required a surgical intervention. Patients requiring one or more related readmissions accrued additional costs of $29,513. Some of the most common reasons for readmission were related to nutritional, metabolic, and fluid and electrolyte disorders. Presentation to the ED occurred in 14.0% of patients, and outpatient upper endoscopy was required in 1.5% of patients, but with much lower associated costs as compared to readmission ($1175).

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients undergoing ARS do not require additional care within 90 days of surgery. Patients who are readmitted accrue costs that almost double the overall cost of care compared to the initial hospitalization. Measures to attenuate potentially preventable readmissions after ARS may reduce healthcare utilization in this patient population.

Valuing innovative endoscopic techniques: per-oral endoscopic myotomy for the management of achalasia

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Unclear reimbursement for new and innovative endoscopic procedures can limit adoption in clinical practice despite effectiveness in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to determine maximum cost-effective reimbursement for per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in treating achalasia.

METHODS

We constructed a decision-analytic model assessing POEM versus laparoscopic Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication (LHM) in managing achalasia from a payer perspective over a 1-year time horizon. Reimbursement data were derived from 2017 Medicare data. Responder rates were based on clinically meaningful improvement in validated Eckardt scores. Validated health utility values were assigned to terminal health states based on data previously derived with a standard gamble technique. Contemporary willingness-to-pay (WTP) levels per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) were used to estimate maximum reimbursement for POEM using threshold analysis.

RESULTS

Effectiveness of POEM and LHM was similar at 1 year of follow-up (0.91 QALY). Maximum cost-effective reimbursement for POEM was $8033.37 to $8223.14, including all professional and facility fees. This compares favorably with contemporary total reimbursement of 10 to 15 total relative value units for advanced endoscopic procedures. Rates of postprocedural GERD did not affect the preference for POEM compared with LHM, assuming at least 10% cost savings with POEM compared with LHM in cost-minimization analysis, or at least 44% cost savings in cost-effectiveness analysis (WTP = $100,000/QALY). LHM was only preferred over POEM if both procedures were reimbursed similarly, and these findings were primarily driven by lower rates of postprocedural GERD. The rate of conversion to open laparotomy due to perforation or bleeding was infrequent in published clinical practice experience, thus did not significantly affect reimbursement.

DISCUSSION

POEM is an example of an innovative and potentially disruptive endoscopic technique offering greater cost-effective value and similar outcomes to the established surgical standard at contemporary reimbursement levels.

Long-term reported outcomes of transoral incisionless fundoplication: an 8-year cohort study

BACKGROUND

Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) offers an endoscopic approach to the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Controlled trials have demonstrated the short-term efficacy of this procedure, but long-term follow-up studies are lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term impact of TIF on disease-specific quality of life and antisecretory medication use.

METHODS

We performed retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing TIF between 2007 and 2014 in a large academic medical center. Reflux symptoms and quality of life were assessed using the gastroesophageal reflux disease health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire at baseline, short-term, and long-term follow-up.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients with a median age of 46 (37-59) years and an average BMI of 28.8 ± 4.9 kg/m² underwent TIF during the study period. Sixty percent of the patients were female, and all were taking a PPI at least daily. At a median follow-up interval of 97 months, twelve patients had undergone subsequent laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS). Of those who had not, 23 had complete long-term follow-up data for analysis and were included in the study. Seventy-three percent reported daily acid-reducing medication use, and the median GERD-HRQL score was 10 (6-14) compared to 24 (15-28) at baseline (p < 0.01). Seventy-eight percent of these patients expressed satisfaction or neutral feelings about their GERD management. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of patients who underwent LARS during the study period and those who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that TIF can produce durable improvements in disease-specific quality of life in some patients with symptomatic GERD. The majority of patients resumed daily PPI therapy during the study period, but with significantly improved GERD-HRQL scores compared to baseline and increased satisfaction with their medical condition.

Long-Term Quality of Life Outcomes Following Nissen Versus Toupet Fundoplication in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic fundoplication is the gold standard treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refractory to medical management. Although many studies have compared Nissen fundoplication (NF) to Toupet fundoplication (TF), it is unclear which operation provides the best long-term reflux control. The objective of this study was to evaluate long-term quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes after NF versus TF.

METHODS

Clinical data from our single academic institutional foregut database were used to identify patients who underwent NF or TF (June 2010 to May 2016). Postoperative QoL was assessed through telephone at 1, 3, or 5 years postsurgery, using GERD-health related quality of life (GERD-HRQL), Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI), and Eckardt Dysphagia scores. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and satisfaction with surgery were also obtained. Trends in outcomes over time were analyzed by logistic regression or Cochran-Armitage trend test.

RESULTS

Our cohort included 155 TF and 161 NF patients. TF patients reported baseline dysphagia at higher rates (42.6% versus 19.9%; P < .001) and had worse preoperative esophageal dysmotility than NF patients. There were no significant differences in GERD-HRQL or GCSI scores between TF and NF patients at any time point postoperatively. Long-term satisfaction was equivalent between TF and NF patients 5 years postoperatively (70.0% versus 77.4%; P = .67). NF patients had higher Eckardt dysphagia scores 1 year after surgery compared to TF patients, but this difference was not present at 3 or 5 years postoperatively. Over time, PPI use increased and there was a trend toward increased GERD-HRQL scores in the TF group.

CONCLUSIONS

Both TF and NF provide excellent long-term satisfaction for patients with GERD. NF and TF patients reported similar postoperative QoL scores. Our finding of increasing PPI use and a trend toward worsening GERD scores following TF warrants additional investigation regarding the long-term durability of TF.

Psychosocial Factors Are Associated with Quality of Life After Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) is the gold standard treatment for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Traditional surgical outcomes following LARS are well described, but limited data exist regarding patient-reported outcomes. We aimed to identify preoperative characteristics that were independently associated with a high GERD health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) following LARS.

METHODS

Clinical data from our single institution foregut surgery database were used to identify all patients with GERD who underwent primary LARS from June 2010 to November 2015. Electronic health record data were reviewed to extract patient characteristics, diagnostic study characteristics, and operative data. Postoperative GERD-HRQL data were obtained through telephone follow-up. Variables hypothesized a priori to be associated with high GERD-HRQL after LARS, which were significant at P ≤ .2 on bivariate analysis, were entered into a multivariable linear regression model with GERD-HRQL as the outcome.

RESULTS

The study included 248 patients; 69.0% were female, 56.9% were married, and 58.1% had concurrent atypical symptoms. The most commonly performed fundoplications were Nissen (44.8%), Toupet (41.3%), and Dor (14.1%), respectively. The median follow-up interval was 3.4 years. The telephone response rate was 60.1%. GERD-HRQL scores improved from 24.8 (SD ±11.4) preoperatively to 3.0 (SD ±5.9) postoperatively. 79.9% of patients were satisfied with their condition at follow-up. On multivariable analysis, being married (P = .04) and absence of depression (P = .02) were independently associated with a higher postoperative QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Strong social support and psychiatric well-being appear to be important predictors of a higher QoL following LARS. Optimizing social support and treating depression preoperatively and postoperatively may improve QoL outcomes for LARS patients.

Endoscopic Options for Gastroesophageal Reflux: Where Are We Now and What Does the Future Hold?

Early in the twenty-first century, novel endoscopic techniques were introduced for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease, providing minimally invasive ways to eliminate pharmacologic acid inhibition and avoid the need for anti-reflux surgery. These techniques do not significantly alter the anatomy of the gastroesophageal junction, minimizing short- and long-term adverse effects, such as dysphagia and bloating. After extensive clinical testing, many endoscopic therapies were abandoned due to either lack of durable efficacy or unfavorable safety profile. Today, only four such therapies remain clinically available, each with variable levels of clinical validation and market penetration. This review will provide an assessment of these endoscopic therapies, highlighting their respective strengths and weaknesses and their present and future applicability to patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Prospective, Randomized Ex Vivo Trial to Assess the Ideal Stapling Site for Endoscopic Fundoplication with Medigus Ultrasonic Surgical Endostapler

Background and Aims. Endoscopic fundoplication is an emerging technique for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this study is to determine the ideal position of the staples in relation to gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). Methods. Ten endoscopic fundoplication procedures were performed in each group using fresh ex vivo porcine stomachs: Group A: 2 staples each at 3 cm above the GEJ and 180° apart; Group B: 2 staples at 3 cm and 90° apart; Group C: 2 staples at 4 cm and 180° apart; Group D: 3 staples at 3 cm with 90° between each staple (180° total). After the procedure, the stomach was gradually filled with water. Gastric yield pressure (GYP) was determined by detection of reflux of the water in esophagus or by rupture of staples. Results. Mean increase of GYPs (±SD) after the procedure was as follows: Group A: 16.9 ± 8.7; Group B: 8.1 ± 7.9; Group C: 12.2 ± 9.4; Group D: 22.7 ± 13.3. GYP in Group A and Group D was higher than Group B (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01, resp.). Conclusions. We recommend the placement of 3 staples at 3 cm distance from the GEJ, which resulted in the highest increase of GYP.

Efficacy of transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) for the treatment of GERD: a systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) performed with the EsophyX device (Redmond, Washington, USA) and its long-term outcomes in gastresophageal reflux disease (GERD) are debated. We, therefore, performed a systematic review with meta-analysis of studies evaluating the role of TIF in GERD.

METHODS

A systematic search of EMBASE, SCOPUS, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library Central was performed. All original studies reporting outcomes in GERD patients who underwent TIF were identified. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of TIF, and prospective observational studies reporting outcomes after TIF were included.

RESULTS

A total of 18 studies (963 patients) published between 2007 and 2015 were identified, including five RCTs and 13 prospective observational studies. The pooled relative risk of response rate to TIF versus PPIs/sham was 2.44 (95 % CI 1.25-4.79, p = 0.0009) in RCTs in the intention-to-treat analysis. The total number of refluxes was reduced after TIF compared with the PPIs/sham group. The esophageal acid exposure time and acid reflux episodes after TIF were not significantly improved. Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) usage increased with time and most of the patients resumed PPIs treatment at reduced dosage during the long-term follow-up. The total satisfaction rate after TIF was about 69.15 % in 6 months. The incidence of severe adverse events consisting of gastrointestinal perforation and bleeding was 2.4 %.

CONCLUSIONS

TIF is an alternative intervention in controlling GERD-related symptoms with comparable short-term patient satisfaction. Long-term results showed decreased efficacy with time. Patients often resume PPIs at reduced doses in the near future.

Dynamics of quality of life improvement after floppy Nissen fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease

Introduction

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has a negative impact on global quality of life (QOL) of patients. In patients affected by GERD, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is one of the most commonly performed laparoscopic procedures worldwide.

Aim

To prospectively analyze the dynamics of QOL as well as severity of pain in patients with GERD, before and after laparoscopic floppy Nissen fundoplication.

Material and methods

The study involved 104 consecutive patients operated on for GERD in whom laparoscopic floppy Nissen fundoplication was performed. QOL was assessed before surgery and 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after. The following instruments were used: FACIT-G, FACIT-TS-G, GIQLI, GERD symptom scale.

Results

It was found that symptom relief and quality of life improvement presented different dynamics in the postoperative course. Observations revealed relief of symptoms 1 month after surgery and improvement in QOL related to the gastrointestinal tract and pain 3 months after surgery. Global QOL increased significantly as late as 12 months after surgery.

Conclusions

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic disease of long duration, leading to impairment of quality of life. Patients, apart from typical symptoms of GERD, suffer from pain of significant severity. QOL improves significantly after surgery. Surgical treatment results in relief of GERD symptoms, which leads to gradual improvement of QOL.

Update on novel endoscopic therapies to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease: A review

Endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have become increasingly popular in recent years. While surgical intervention with the Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication remains the gold standard, two endoscopic interventions, specifically, are gaining traction in clinical use (EsophyX and Stretta). The EsophyX (EndoGastric Solutions, Inc., Redmond, WA, United States) was developed as a method of restoring the valve at the GE junction through an endoluminal fundoplication (ELF) technique. Long-term data suggests that transoral incisional fundoplication (TIF) with EsophyX may be effective for symptom control and proton pump inhibitor reduction or cessation for up to 2-6 years. There is no evidence that EsophyX is more effective than surgical intervention. TIF may be most effective for patients with HH < 2 cm and Hill Grade I/II valves. Stretta (Mederi Therapeutics, Greenwich, CT, United States) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2000. It delivers radiofrequency energy to the lower esophageal sphincter and gastric cardia. Published reviews of the literature are conflicted in their recommendations of Stretta in the management of GERD. The literature suggests that the Stretta procedure has an acceptable safety profile and may be effective in reducing symptom burden and quality of life scores up to 8 years post-intervention. However, there does not appear to be any sustained improvement in objective outcomes and there is no evidence that Stretta results in improved outcomes as compared to surgical intervention. Treatment modalities for GERD, as a field, suffer from a lack of standardization in primary and secondary outcomes. Although many studies have looked at health related quality of life, the tools used to do so are markedly heterogeneous. Future directions for the endoscopic treatment of GERD include novel techniques like endoscopic submucosal dissection.