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 »

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 »

A comparison of the endoscopic and laparoscopic view of the gastroesophageal junction in the use of transoral fundoplication

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic fundoplication requires accurate evaluation of the gastroesophageal junction (GJ) to determine if hiatal hernia repair is necessary before fundoplication. We compared the endoscopic and laparoscopic evaluations of the GJ. METHODS: A total of 53 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease underwent a laparoscopic repair of a hiatal defect before endoscopic fundoplication. The video of… Read more »

Randomised clinical trial: transoral incisionless fundoplication vs. sham intervention to control chronic GERD

BACKGROUND: Until recently only two therapeutic options have been available to control symptoms and the esophagitis in chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), i.e. lifelong proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy or anti-reflux surgery. Lately, transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) has been developed and found to offer a therapeutic alternative for these patients. AIM: To perform a double-blind… Read more »

Long-term efficacy of transoral incisionless fundoplication with Esophyx (Tif 2.0) and factors affecting outcomes in GERD patients followed for up to 6 years: a prospective single-center study

BACKGROUND: Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) with the EsophyX™ device creates an antireflux valve with good functional results inpatients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effect of TIF 2.0 on pathological reflux and symptoms in GERD patients with daily dependence on proton pump inhibitors (PPI). METHODS: Fifty… Read more »

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

ABSTRACT: 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… Read more »

Laparoscopic anti-reflux revision surgery after transoral incisionless fundoplication is safe and effective

BACKGROUND: Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by creating a full-thickness esophagogastric plication using transmural fasteners. If unsuccessful, revision laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (rLARS) may be performed. This study evaluated operative findings and clinical outcomes of rLARS in 28 patients with prior primary TIF. METHODS: Intraoperative findings, complications, and symptomatic outcomes with GERD… Read more »