Efficacy of Transoral Fundoplication for Treatment of Chronic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Incompletely Controlled With High-Dose PPI Therapy: a Randomized, Multicenter, Open Label, Crossover Study

BACKGROUND: The aim of this randomized, crossover study was to determine if transoral fundoplication (TF) could further improve clinical outcomes in partial responders to high-dose (HD) proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy and to evaluate durability of TF. METHODS: In seven United States centers, patients with hiatal hernia ≤ 2 cm and abnormal esophageal acid exposure (EAE)… Read more »

Univariate and multivariate analyses of preoperative factors influencing symptomatic outcomes of transoral fundoplication

Background: Preoperative factors predicting symptomatic improvement after transoral fundoplication (TF) in chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients with persistent symptoms on proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) therapy have not been elucidated fully. Methods: Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed on data from 158 consecutive patients who underwent TF with the EsophyX device between January 2010… Read more »

Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication: Is It as Safe and Efficacious as a Nissen or Toupet Fundoplication?

Abstract: Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) was U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved in 2007 to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but comparative data are lacking. This study was undertaken to compare outcomes for patients with GERD undergoing TIF versus laparoscopic Nissen or Toupet fundoplications. We undertook a case-controlled study of three cohorts of 20 patients undergoing TIF or laparoscopic Nissen… Read more »

Nonmedical therapeutic strategies for nonerosive reflux disease

Abstract: There has been a marked decline over the last several years in drug development for gastroesophageal reflux disease and specifically for nonerosive reflux disease (NERD), despite there being many areas of unmet need. In contrast, we have seen a proliferation, during the same period of time, in development of novel, nonmedical therapeutic strategies for… Read more »

Transoral incisionless fundoplication for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Abstract: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common and costly chronic medical condition affecting millions of patients. It is associated with substantial morbidity and negatively impacts quality of life. Reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus damages the esophageal mucosa and is associated with conditions including esophagitis and esophageal stricture. While GERD is most commonly… Read more »

Effect of transoral incisionless fundoplication on reflux mechanisms

OBJECTIVES: Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) is a new endoscopic treatment option for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The mechanisms underlying the anti-reflux effect of this new procedure have not been studied. We therefore conducted this explorative study to evaluate the effect of TIF on reflux mechanisms, focusing on transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) and esophagogastric… Read more »

The effects of transoral incisionless fundoplication on chronic GERD patients: 12-month prospective multicenter experience

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the impact of transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) on patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) at 12-month follow-up. METHODS: Clinical outcomes of 100 consecutive patients with chronic GERD who underwent TIF between January 2010 and February 2011 were analyzed. RESULTS: There were no major complications reported. Esophageal acid exposure… Read more »

Impact of transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) on subjective and objective GERD indices: a systematic review of the published literature

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains a significant problem for the medical community. Many endoluminal treatments for GERD have been developed with little success. Currently, transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) attempts to recreate a surgical fundoplication through placement of full-thickness polypropylene H-fasteners. This, the most recent procedure to gain FDA approval, has shown some promise in… Read more »

Unexpected effect of proton pump inhibitors: elevation of the cardiovascular risk factor asymmetric dimethylarginine

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are gastric acid-suppressing agents widely prescribed for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Recently, several studies in patients with acute coronary syndrome have raised the concern that use of PPIs in these patients may increase their risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. The mechanism of this possible adverse effect is… Read more »