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… Read more »

Transoral incisionless fundoplication: current status

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) performed with the EsophyX device (Redmond, Washington, USA) is a totally endoscopic procedure with the objectives to mechanically repair a defective gastroesophageal valve and to reduce small hiatal hernias. The recent publication of randomized controlled trials and long-term follow-up data offers the opportunity to reevaluate this treatment modality… Read more »

Recurrence and death after Clostridium difficile infection: gender-dependant influence of proton pump inhibitor therapy

Goals: To determine whether patients with a pre-existing PPI treatment had a higher risk of poor evolution (recurrence or death) when diagnosed with a toxicogenic Clostridium difficile digestive infection. Background: Previous studies identified pump proton inhibitor (PPI) prescription as a risk factor for C. difficile infection. The influence of PPI on the outcome of C.… Read more »

An Episode Payment Framework for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Dysplastic and Nondysplastic Barrett’s Esophagus, and Anti-Reflux Surgical and Endoscopic Interventions

Health care currently constitutes approximately 17.4% of the Gross Domestic Product in the United States, with health care spending increasing by 6.2% annually, according to the US Department of Commerce.1,2 Efforts to contain costs include reforms to the overall delivery system, such as Accountable Care Organizations and Patient-Centered Medical Neighborhoods, as well as a variety… Read more »

Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair in 221 Patients: Outcomes and Experience

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hiatal hernia is a common condition often associated with symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The objectives of this study were to examine the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair (LHHR) with biologic mesh to reduce and/or alleviate GERD symptoms and associated hiatal hernia recurrence. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive LHHR… Read more »

Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication for Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Where Do We Stand?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic, progressive, and costly medical condition affecting a substantial proportion of the world population, predominantly the Western population. The available treatment options for patients with refractory GERD symptoms are limited to either laparoscopic surgery with significant sequelae or potentially lifelong, high-dose proton pump inhibitor therapy. The restoration of the… Read more »

Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and the Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease

IMPORTANCE: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most commonly used drugs worldwide and have been linked to acute interstitial nephritis. Less is known about the association between PPI use and chronic kidney disease (CKD). OBJECTIVE: To quantify the association between PPI use and incident CKD in a population-based cohort. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In… Read more »

An Evidence-Based Approach to the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

IMPORTANCE: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is prevalent worldwide, particularly in developed countries. It is estimated that the prevalence of GERD in the United States is approximately 20% and that it is increasing because of the epidemic of obesity. OBJECTIVE: To review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of GERD. EVIDENCE REVIEW: A search… Read more »