Endoluminal treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: too early to determine a clear role
Peters, F.T.M.; Kleibeuker, J.H.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 150(19): 1059-1064
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2162 PMID: 16733981 Document Number: 603177
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is a chronic disorder. The most important therapeutic measure is long-term pharmacological acid inhibition. Anti-reflux surgery plays a role in cases where pharmacological treatment fails. A new development is endoluminal treatment for reflux disorders. The various methods used are based on one of the following principles: radiofrequency ablation, gastroplication and implantation of a bulking agent. Short-term results with endoluminal treatment are not very positive and longer-term results have been disappointing so far. Results from randomised studies are still largely unavailable. Longer follow-up and controlled randomised studies are needed before a well-founded judgment can be made regarding the place of endoluminal treatment in the therapeutic armamentarium.