Antireflux transoral incisionless fundoplication using EsophyX: 12-month results of a prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND: A novel transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) procedure using the EsophyX system with SerosaFuse fasteners was designed to reconstruct a full-thickness valve at the gastroesophageal junction through tailored delivery of multiple fasteners during a single-device insertion. The safety and efficacy of TIF for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were evaluated in a prospective multicenter trial.… Read more »

Transoral endoscopic fundoplication in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: the anatomic and physiologic basis for reconstruction of the esophagogastric junction using a novel device

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety, mechanism of action, immediate postprocedural anatomic impact on the esophagogastric junction, and short-term efficacy of the first entirely endolumenal antireflux procedure. BACKGROUND: A safe and effective endoscopic antireflux procedure remains elusive. Transoral endolumenal surgery has enormous potential for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other esophagogastric diseases. A… Read more »

Are lifestyle measures effective in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease? An evidence-based approach

Lifestyle modifications are first-line therapy for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We applied an evidence-based approach to determine the efficacy of lifestyle measures for GERD management. We used PubMed and Ovid to perform a search of the literature published between 1975 and 2004 using the key words heartburn, GERD, smoking, alcohol, obesity, weight loss,… Read more »

Gastroesophageal sphincter: a model

Abstract There is substantial experimental and anatomic evidence suggesting that the human lower esophageal sphincter is not a muscular ring but has its correlate in the arrangement of the so-called muscular clasps and oblique sling fibers at the gastroesophageal junction. We assessed the mode of action of these distinct muscle units in a mechanical model.… Read more »

Mechanisms of action of antireflux surgery: theory and fact

Abstract Despite the absence of definitive explanations regarding either the physiologic or surgical factors which curtail gastro-esophageal reflux, effective antireflux operations exist. This article explores the theoretical factors relevant to the surgical control of reflux. These theoretical features include: (1) the pressure, length, and location of the manometrically defined lower esophageal sphincter (LES); (2) the… Read more »

Responses of feline gastroesophageal junction to changes in abdominal pressure

The responses of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), stomach, and diaphragm and their contribution to changes in the high-pressure zone (HPZ) at the gastroesophageal junction were determined during extrinsic abdominal compression or intragastric balloon distension in anesthetized cats. Abdominal compression consistently induced an increase in intraluminal end-expiratory LES and gastric pressure (P less than 0.01).… Read more »