Fundoplication surgery has been around since the 1950’s as an option to treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatus hernia. The technique normally requires an invasive procedure and involves suturing the upper part of the stomach around the lower part of the esophagus. This provides the added strength to the lower esophageal sphincter and prevents the expansion of the esophageal hiatus.
EsophyX, a device introduced a few years ago by EndoGastric Solutions (Redwood City, CA), offers a new, minimally invasive way for performing fundoplications. The entire procedure is performed using an incisionless technique called Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF). A newly released study following patients 24 months after the procedure showed that 81% of the participants was effective at “eliminating or improving a range of typical and atypical GERD symptoms, including heartburn and reflux” and in the same percentage “esophagitis was fully healed or notably improved,” according to the announcement.
From the press release:
“This two year data demonstrates the long-term value of a transoral anatomic correction in the treatment of GERD patients with mild to moderate disease. We are very encouraged by the sustained response seen by patients with either typical or atypical symptoms,” said Mike Kleine, President and CEO of EGS.
Twenty-four months after the EsophyX2® device was used in TIF procedures, more than two-thirds of patients completely eliminated the need for daily proton pump inhibitor (PPIs) therapy. Symptom control achieved at six months remained stable over time indicating durability of TIF procedure.
“The TIF procedure is an attractive option because it dramatically shifts the risk-benefit ratio associated with correcting the underlying anatomical defect and allows a majority of patients to stop taking daily medication for reflux,” said Karim Trad, MD, FACS, SAGES presenter and an investigator in this prospective multicenter registry of patients with chronic GERD.
Flashback: EsophyX (Endoluminal Fundoplication) ELF System for GERD
Product page: EsophyX for Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication