Introduction

The need for a long-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has become increasingly apparent during the past decade and a half as a result of the growing prevalence and incidence of this chronic disease [1–6]. The likelihood of developing GERD increases with the severity of anatomic change and dysfunction of the gastroesophageal (GE) junction, which represents the primary defense against reflux of gastric content into the esophagus [7–12]. Restoration of the antireflux competence of the GE junction at the anatomic and physiologic levels is critical for effective long-term treatment of GERD [2].

Antireflux surgery has been shown to be more effective in terms of patient satisfaction, clinical outcome, and health care cost reduction than pharmacologic antisecretory therapies in the long-term management of chronic GERD [13–16]. However, side effects of the antireflux fundoplication procedures frequently compromise otherwise excellent postsurgical results [15, 17]. Persistent dysphagia, inability to belch and vomit, and increased bloating and flatulence are common side effects that may persist for more than 6 months following surgery and prove to be difficult to treat [13, 18–21]. To minimize the risk of chronic complications, a variety of factors must be taken into account, including the technical aspects of the operation [20, 22]. “Tailoring” the valve seems to restore the physiology of the GE junction more adequately, allowing air to be vented from the stomach without jeopardizing the efficacy of the antireflux barrier [12, 23].

A novel transoral incisionless device was developed in an attempt to mimics antireflux surgery through constructing a valve at the GE junction, restoring the angle of His, and reducing a small hiatal hernia with fewer side effects. The EsophyX system with SerosaFuse fasteners (EndoGastric Solutions, Redmond, WA, USA) was designed to reconstruct a valve through tailored delivery of multiple fasteners during a single-device insertion [24]. The EsophyX device and the corresponding transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) procedure were developed based on the current knowledge and understanding of the anatomic and physiologic functions of the GE junction that was derived from extensive research with open and laparoscopic antireflux surgery [25–28]. The safety and efficacy of the EsophyX-TIF procedure were initially demonstrated by 12-month results from a feasibility study with 19 patients [29]. This article presents results at 6 and 12 months from a prospective multicenter trial with 86 patients that was intended to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of the TIF procedure using the EsophyX system with SerosaFuse fasteners.

Patients and methods

The study, designed as a prospective multicenter trial, was conducted internationally at seven clinical centers under a common protocol approved by each center’s ethics committee. Informed consent was obtained before enrolling patients in the study.

Patient selection

The study population consisted of patients 18 to 80 years of age with chronic GERD symptoms (>6 months) responsive to proton pump inhibition (PPI) therapy, as judged by GERD health-related quality of life (HRQL) scores of ≤ 12 while on PPI therapy, whose symptoms recurred upon discontinuation of PPI therapy for 14 days (GERD-HRQL score ≥ 20 or a difference of ≥ 10 between the scores on and off PPIs). Pathologic esophageal acid exposure was confirmed by 48-hour pH-metry using the wireless Bravo pH system (Medtronic, Shoreview, MN, USA) [30]. To be included, patients were also required to have a deteriorated GE junction with Hill grade II, III, or IV [26]. Briefly, the Hill grades were defined as follows.

  • Grade I valves: presence of a prominent tissue fold surrounding the endoscopic shaft

  • Grade II valves: presence of a moderately prominent tissue fold; rarely opens with respiration and closes promptly

  • Grade III valves: a barely present fold; fails to close around the endoscope

  • Grade IV valves: lack of a muscular fold; lumen of esophagus stays open all the time, allowing the squamous epithelium to be viewed from below

The exclusion criteria were severe reflux esophagitis grade D in the Los Angeles classification [31]; body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg m−2; other esophageal diseases, including biopsy-proven Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal motility disorders, esophageal stricture, esophageal ulcer, delayed gastric emptying, irreducible hiatal hernia of > 2 cm; or previously failed antireflux surgery.

During the initial screening phase, patients were evaluated for their medical history including GERD medication usage, and they completed the GERD-HRQL questionnaire while on PPI therapy. The use of PPIs was then discontinued for 14 days, and other GERD medications, such as histamine receptor antagonists (H2RA) or antacids, was discontinued for 7 and 2 days, respectively. While off all GERD medications, the GERD-HRQL questionnaire was readministered, and esophageal pH was assessed over a 48-hour period.

This evaluation was repeated at 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. The assessment at the time of screening and at 6 and 12 months also included upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and optional biopsy. Manometry and barium swallow radiography were performed at screening and at 6 months but were optional at 12 months.

Procedure details

The TIF procedure using the EsophyX device was designed to create full-thickness serosa-to-serosa plications and construct valves 3 to 5 cm in length and 200° to 300° in circumference [24]. The procedures were performed following a standard TIF1.0 protocol under general anesthesia with either nasal or transoral intubation by a team of two physicians (surgeons and/or gastroenterologists) [24, 29]. The first physician controls the implantation of fasteners using the EsophyX device, and the second operates the endoscope and ensures continuous direct visualization. The device is inserted transorally into the esophagus with the patient in the left lateral position. The hiatal hernia, if present, is reduced by returning the squamocolumnar junction to its natural position below the diaphragm using a built-in vacuum invaginator. During a single insertion, a valve similar to that created through antireflux surgery is reconstructed by retraction of full-thickness plications and tailored placement of multiple fasteners circumferentially around the GE junction starting on the greater curve side of the valve [29].

Patients were instructed to consume a liquid diet during the first 2 weeks and a soft diet during the following 4 weeks. PPIs were discontinued 7 days after the procedure. In the event of symptom recurrence requiring medication, a “step-down” protocol was employed; and patients were returned to their preprocedure dose of PPIs and then weaned from them if possible. There was no TIF retreatment allowed in the present study.

Safety assessment

The incidences of anticipated and unanticipated serious and nonserious adverse events were carefully recorded. Serious adverse events were defined as complications necessitating hospitalization and medical or surgical intervention. Adverse events and symptoms were recorded and categorized using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) classification system developed by the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) (http://www.meddramsso.com).

Effectiveness assessment

The primary effectiveness endpoint was patient quality of life assessed by the validated 10-question GERD-HRQL questionnaire evaluating heartburn-related symptoms and patient satisfaction using a 0 to 5 Visual Analogue Scale [32]. The total GERD-HRQL scores were calculated by summing the responses to nine questions [33]; possible scores ranged between 0 (no symptoms) and 45 (worst symptoms). A ≥ 50% improvement in the total GERD-HRQL scores compared to the baseline off PPIs was considered clinically significant [34, 35]. The heartburn score was calculated by summing the responses to the first six questions. Absent or rare heartburn (scores of ≤ 2 to each of the six questions, or a total score of ≤ 12) was indicative of heartburn elimination. Patient satisfaction with their current health condition was evaluated based on question 10 as either “satisfied,” “neutral,” or “dissatisfied” [32]. Regurgitation was assessed as present or absent by a separate direct question.

Secondary effectiveness endpoints were PPI usage, esophageal acid exposure, hiatal hernia size, reflux esophagitis grade, valve Hill grade, and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) resting pressure. These endpoints allowed thorough, complete evaluation of the competence of the antireflux barrier.

The use of PPIs and other GERD medications, such as H2RA and antacids, was recorded. “Daily” usage of PPIs corresponded to a double dose, full dose, or half dose taken daily for more than 50% of the total number of days during the follow-up period. “Occasional” or “on-demand” usage was defined as less than a half dose or any daily dose of PPIs taken for less than 50% of the total number of days during the follow-up period. The designation “none” was used when not a single dose of PPIs was taken during the specified period. Reduction of usage from daily to none or occasional was considered clinically significant.

Esophageal acid exposure corresponded to the percentage of total monitoring time at pH < 4; it was normal if it was ≤ 5.3 [36, 37] or significantly improved if it was reduced by ≥ 30% compared to that pre-TIF, a rate sufficient to eliminate symptoms [38]. During the 48-hour assessment, patients were encouraged to engage in their usual activities [36, 39]. Periods of poor signal reception and capsule displacement to the stomach or intestine were excluded from calculations upon review and recommendation of a validation panel.

Upper GI endoscopy was performed to assess the presence and size of a hiatal hernia. A reduction in hiatal hernia size of at least 50% compared to that pre-TIF was considered clinically significant. The endoscopy examination also assessed reflux esophagitis following the Los Angeles classification [31] and the geometrical aspects of the TIF valves by measuring their Jobe length, defined as the length (in centimeters) from the apex of the fundus to the valve lip [40] and circumference, defined as the distance in degrees between the two most distant fasteners. The valve geometry was evaluated based on the adherence to the endoscope as tight, moderate, or loose and the Hill grade [26], as described above. A one-grade reduction in esophagitis or Hill grade at 12 months compared to that pre-TIF was considered clinically significant.

Cardia circumference was evaluated retrospectively using cardia circumference measurement software and static retroflexed images [41]. A total of 41 patients with clear retroflexed views of the cardia before and 12 months after TIF and the known caliber of the gastroscope were considered eligible for cardia circumference measurements. A total of 15 measurements (three images measured five times each) were taken for each patient and follow-up period after the validated protocol [41] and were used to calculate the mean cardia circumference. A mean cardia circumference of < 34.3 mm was considered normal [41].

Esophageal manometry was performed in the usual fashion using a stationary pull-through technique [42]. A LES resting pressure of 10 to 40 mmHg was considered normal [43]. Values post-TIF represented the latest follow-up measure.

Effectiveness endpoints were evaluated after discontinuation of PPIs for at least 14 days before TIF and postoperative follow-up visits at 3, 6, and 12 months. Patients served as their own controls, and the outcome values at each follow-up were compared with those before TIF.

A global assessment of all outcome measures was performed for each patient to determine the long-term effectiveness of the EsophyX-TIF procedure in curing GERD. Patients were considered “completely cured” if they had no more heartburn or regurgitation, normal or significantly reduced esophageal acid exposure, eliminated esophagitis, and reduced hiatal hernia. Patients were considered “cured” from GERD if they demonstrated clinically significant alleviation of their symptoms (≥50 reduction) and discontinued all PPI therapy. Patients were considered “improved” if they required only occasional PPI therapy and had reduced heartburn. Patients with “ongoing GERD” showed no alleviation of their symptoms and required daily PPIs.

A web-based data entry system (Simplified Clinical Data Systems, Milford, NH, USA) with case report forms was employed for real-time data capture at each site. All data were verified against source documents through regular onsite monitoring.

Statistical analysis

Data were analyzed by an independent statistician using SAS statistical software version 8.0 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). Continuous variables, summarized by medians and ranges, were considered to represent the population main trends because of the generally skewed data distribution (as indicated by asymmetrical ranges around the medians). Categorical variables were summarized as counts and percentages. The p values for changes at 6 or 12 months compared to pre-TIF were calculated using Wilcoxon’s signed rank, sign, McNemar’s test, or the Mann-Whitney test. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant.

The results at 12 months were stratified into three categories depending on the Hill grade and TIF valve adherence: Hill grade I, tight; Hill grade II, moderate; Hill grade III/IV, loose. Patients with valves that did not fit into the listed categories were excluded from the stratification analysis. Differences among Hill grade groups and follow-up visits were tested for significance using Spearman’s rank correlation or the Kruskal-Wallis test of the equality of medians.

Percentage reduction in esophagitis grade was also calculated without the patients taking daily or occasional PPIs at 12 months to avoid a type 1 error, as the usage of medication represented a confounding variable to the effect of TIF on esophagitis improvement.

Predictors of clinical effectiveness at 12 months were evaluated through nonparametric Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient between anatomic and pathophysiologic variables with continuous and ordinal values. Spearman’s coefficient (ρ) ranged from -1 to + 1, with negative values indicating that one variable tended to increase as the other decreased and positive values indicating a positive increase of two variables.

Results

Patient characteristics

A total of 86 patients were enrolled between April and December 2006 from seven clinical centers in Belgium (five), Germany (one), and Italy (one), with 4 to 27 patients per center. Three patients (3%) had inclusion/exclusion violations for which they were granted exemptions. Among those patients, one had a pathological 10-question GERD-HRQL score on PPIs of 14 but a borderline score off PPIs of 20 and therefore a difference between scores of only 6; and two patients had a BMI of 36. In addition, later validation of the pH reports identified one patient with a long recording period in the stomach resulting from premature dislodgement of the Bravo capsule on the second day. The exclusion of this gastric period resulted in changing the values of esophageal acid exposure to normal on the worst day (3% time pH < 4 and 13.1 DeMeester score). This patient was subsequently excluded from analysis of pH-metry data.

The enrolled 86 patients were 19 to 73 years old (median 44 years, mean ± SD 44.0 ± 12.5 years) (Table 1). Overall, the patients had suffered from GERD for a median 6 years (1–33 years) and were on continuous daily PPI medication for 4 years (1–14 years). The median GERD-HRQL and heartburn scores pre-TIF increased (worsened) after discontinuation of PPIs from 9 (0–22) to 24 (11–38) and from 7 (0–19) to 21 (10–30), respectively. Before TIF, 100% of patients were taking either full-dose or half-dose PPIs on a daily basis (Fig. 1). While taking PPIs, 31 (37%) patients were satisfied, 25 (30%) neutral, and 27 (33%) dissatisfied with their health condition compared to 5 (6%) who were satisfied, 4 (5%) neutral, and 74 (89%) dissatisfied after discontinuation of PPIs. Esophagitis was present in 81% of patients, and 58% had a hiatal hernia with a median size of 1 cm (1–3 cm) (Table 1). Hiatal hernias of 3 cm in four patients were successfully reduced perioperatively. Biopsy revealed gastritis in 47% of patients and gastric polyps in 9%. Most of the gastroesophageal valves were Hill grade II or III (Fig. 2). The mean of 77 LES resting pressures was 13.1 mmHg (4–30 mmHg). Three patients had LES resting pressures below the lower limit of 10 mmHg, but ineffective “hypotonic” esophageal motility disorder was ruled out because they had normal esophageal body amplitude pressure and peristalsis.

Table 1 Patient characteristics at screening
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Fig. 1
figure 1

Usage and dosage of proton pump inhibitors. TIF: transoral incisionless fundoplication

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Fig. 2
figure 2

Hill grade distribution of the valves

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Procedure details

The median procedure time was 77 minutes (28–208 minutes). A median of 14 (7–22) SerosaFuse fasteners were used to construct each TIF valve. In total, 65% (55/84) of procedures were conducted by five teams of two gastroenterologists and the remaining 35% by two teams of one surgeon and one gastroenterologist. Altogether, 89% of the procedures were accomplished using a single device. The TIF valves had a median length of 4 cm (2–6 cm) and a circumference of 230° (160°–300°). All 49 hiatal hernias were reduced, including the 4 that measured 3.0 cm. Hospitalization stay was 1 day for all but one of the patients; the exception was a patient who experienced intraluminal bleeding and was hospitalized for 5 days (see later).

Safety assessment

The most common adverse event was musculoskeletal pain in the left shoulder for up to 1 month reported by 16 (18%) patients (Table 2). Other events included abdominal pain (15%), sore throat (8%), nausea (8%), and epigastric pain (7%). Difficulty swallowing associated with a sore throat were reported as dysphagia and lasted up to 1 week after the procedure. All of these nonserious adverse events were mild and resolved spontaneously. Chronic diarrhea, gas bloat, and/or nausea were notably absent.

Table 2 Adverse events after the EsophyX-TIF procedure categorized by the MedDRA classification system and grouped by their duration
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Three serious adverse events (SAEs) occurred in the study. The first was perforation of the proximal esophagus during advancement of the device without ensuring adequate visualization. The procedure was discontinued, and the injury was immediately repaired with surgical suture following the standard care protocol for managing esophageal perforations [44]. The patient was discharged after 6 days with no sequelae. The second SAE was perforation that occurred during attempted device insertion into the narrow hypopharynx of a patient with Turner’s syndrome. The investigators recommended this patient based on adequate endoscopic access, but the esopharynx space proved to be insufficient to allow introduction of the device/endoscope assembly. The perforation was confirmed by computed tomography and surgically repaired after 2.5 hours. The patient was discharged after 21 days. The third SAE consisted of post-TIF intraluminal bleeding and a reported decrease in hemoglobin of 70 g L−1. The patient underwent blood transfusion with 4 units of blood, and the bleeding was stopped by applying clips endoscopically and injecting fibrin glue. The patient was discharged after 5 days and remained in the study.

A total of 81 (96%) patients at 6 months and 79 (94%) patients at 12 months (of the 84 treated) completed the follow-up assessment tests and were included in the clinical effectiveness analysis. Seven patients were lost to follow-up (8%): Two patients with esophageal injury exited the study immediately and later underwent a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF); two patients exited the study before the 3-month follow-up (one underwent LNF); one patient failed to return at the 6-month follow-up visit but returned for the 12-month visit; and three patients could not be contacted or were unable to make their 12-month visit. The patients lost to follow-up were included in the safety analysis but excluded from the clinical assessment because of the lack of data.

Clinical effectiveness at 12 months

The GERD-HRQL scores improved significantly, by 68%, compared to those before TIF and off PPIs (Table 3). A clinically significant improvement in GERD-HRQL scores was achieved by 73% of patients (Table 3). Heartburn scores were significantly reduced in 75% of patients compared to those off PPIs (Table 3). Regurgitation experienced while on and off PPIs was significantly (p = 0.02) reduced in 55% and 59% of patients, respectively. Complete symptom elimination (GERD-HRQL score ≤ 12) was experienced by 75% of patients; and 65% of patients were satisfied, 12% neutral, and 20% dissatisfied with their health condition. Cessation of daily PPIs was reported by 85% of patients (Table 4). The esophageal acid exposure time was significantly reduced or normalized in 61% of patients (Table 5). The mean LES resting pressure was increased significantly (p < 0.001), by 53%, to 18.2 mmHg (4–43, n = 75) (Fig. 3).

Table 3 GERD health-related quality of life scores and symptoms
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Table 4 Use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), histamine receptor antagonists (H2RA), and antacids before and after the EsophyX-TIF procedure
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Table 5 Esophageal pH monitoring
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Fig. 3
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Resting pressure of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) determined by manometry before and after the EsophyX-TIF procedure

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Upper GI endoscopy revealed that the TIF valves (Fig. 4) were 2.5 cm (1–5 cm) in length and 180° (0°–280°) circumference. Most of the TIF valves were Hill grade I or II (Fig. 2, Table 6). Among the valves with Hill grade III/IV before TIF, 54% experienced a clinically significant improvement to Hill grade I or II. Gastritis and polyps were absent. Hiatal hernias present in 36% of patients at 12 months were reduced in size in 60% of cases (Table 6); the reduction was associated with a reduction of esophagitis in 57% of those patients. Among patients with esophagitis before TIF, 62% experienced a significant grade reduction and 40% total elimination. Among those patients with healed esophagitis, 68% had grade A before TIF, 24% had grade B, and 10% had grade C. Esophagitis elimination in 67% of cases resulted from eliminating the hiatal hernia and reducing the Hill grade. Comparison of the results among all three follow-up periods (3, 6, and 12 months) revealed no significant differences.

Fig. 4
figure 4

Endoscopic images of gastroesophageal valves from two patients who had Hill grade IV valves, esophagitis A, and a 2 cm hiatal hernia before TIF. At 6 and 12 months post-TIF both patients had Hill grade I valves, no hiatal hernia, and no esophagitis

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Table 6 Endoscopic evaluation
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Stratification analysis showed that the 21 patients with Hill grade I tight TIF valves at 12 months experienced 75% improvement in GERD-HRQL scores, 86% cessation of daily PPIs, 48% normalization of esophageal acid exposure, and more than 80% reduction in their hiatal hernias and esophagitis (Table 7). The improvements obtained by these patients were significantly better than those obtained in patients with Hill grade III/IV valves in terms of esophageal acid normalization, hiatal hernia reduction, esophagitis reduction and elimination, and cardia circumference size and normalization. Among-group comparison revealed that the patients in all three groups had the same level of GE junction deterioration at screening (median Hill grade III), a similar median age (p = 0.3), BMI (p = 0.4), sex and race ratio (p = 0.3), and duration of GERD and PPI usage (p > 0.05); they differed significantly (p < 0.05) in the occurrence and size of their hiatal hernias and the LES resting pressure: 16.4 ± 1.4 for Hill grade I, 13.0 ± 1.3 for Hill grade II, and 11.7 ± 1.1 for Hill grade III/IV (p = 0.045).

Table 7 Clinical effectiveness at 12 months stratified into three groups depending on the anatomic characteristics of TIF valves defined by Hill grade and adherencea
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Global assessment revealed that 56% of patients (n = 45) were “cured” of their GERD based on the clinically significant reduction of their heartburn and complete cessation off PPIs, which were accompanied with normalization or significant reduction of esophageal acid exposure in 80% of cases (Fig. 5). Among the cured patients, 24% (n = 19) were “completely cured,” as they experienced total elimination of symptoms, esophagitis, and hiatal hernia as well as normalization of esophageal acid exposure. Most of these patients had Hill grade I or II valves. The “improved” group consisted of 22% of patients who experienced 80% reduction of their symptoms, were off daily PPIs, and had reduced hiatal hernia or esophagitis. The remaining 22% of patients had “ongoing” GERD as they continued to experience GERD symptoms and required daily PPI therapy.

Fig. 5
figure 5

Study population divided into three groups depending on the degree of cure from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) based on the long-term clinical effectiveness of EsophyX-TIF. Cured: patients demonstrated clinically significant alleviation of their symptoms and discontinued their usage of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. Improved: patients required only occasional PPI therapy and had reduced heartburn. Ongoing GERD: patients showed no alleviation of their symptoms and required daily usage of PPIs. Among the cured patients, 24% were “completely cured” of GERD based on total elimination of heartburn and regurgitation, completely healed esophagitis, reduced hiatal hernia, and normalized or significantly reduced esophageal acid exposure

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Correlation analysis at 12 months revealed a significant relation (ρ > 0.5, p < 0.001) between the valve’s Hill grade and hiatal hernia size, esophagitis grade, LES resting pressure, and cardia circumference (Table 8). Esophageal acid exposure correlated most significantly with hiatal hernia size.

Table 8 Correlation analysis between symptom intensity, esophageal acid exposure, and anatomic characteristics of gastroesophageal valves 12 months after EsophyX-TIF
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Discussion

The patient population participating in this study suffered from severe chronic GERD. Most of the patients had had GERD for more than 6 years, experienced frequent and severe heartburn and regurgitations, and used PPIs at a daily dose of 20 to 80 mg for more than 3 years. The high prevalence of hiatal hernia, esophagitis, and gastritis reflected an advanced level of the disease. Gastritis and gastric polyps have been associated with prolonged PPI use [45–47]. Upper GI endoscopy confirmed that deterioration of the GE junction (Hill grade II or III) appeared concomitantly with the presence of high esophageal acid exposure, esophagitis, and/or hiatal hernia. Patients with similar characteristics are typically referred for antireflux surgery [15, 17] or treated with increasing doses of PPIs [48, 49].

The two esophageal perforations experienced in this study were associated with device insertion. They underline the caution required during this stage of transoral surgery [50] and the need for careful pretherapeutic patient assessment [23]. In approximately 330 TIF cases that have been performed worldwide to date, these were the only two known instances of esophageal injury upon device insertion [51]. They might have been avoided by careful device introduction under continuous endoscopic visualization and by excluding patients with abnormal or unusually narrow esophageal anatomy. Additional refinement in the design of the device may also help reduce this risk. The reported instance of intraluminal bleeding at one fastener site was the only serious complication that resulted directly from the TIF procedure. Tissue compression inherent in the device design and delivery method most likely accounts for the low incidence of intraluminal bleeding.

The side effects reported after the TIF procedure were few, mild, and transient. Shoulder pain, which was reported by 18% of patients, is typically associated with antireflux laparoscopic surgery and results from indirect or direct irritation of the phrenic nerve and the resulting dermatome response [52]. The abdominal pain reported in 15% of patients most likely resulted from insufflation during the procedure and was proportional to the extent of insufflation and procedure duration. Epigastric pain experienced by 7% of patients was most likely associated with transmural serosal fastening. Pharyngolaryngeal pain, reported as sore throat by 8% of patients, was assumed to be caused by insertion of the 18 mm device and its repetitive rotations around the longitudinal axis during the procedure. Nausea present in 7% of patients could result from insufflation, anesthesia, or manipulation of tissue at the GE junction that possibly stressed the vagus nerve. The postoperative dysphagia experienced by 4% resulted from swelling at the GE junction and resolved within 7 days without intervention. Chronic side effects typically associated with laparoscopic fundoplication (e.g., dysphagia, gas bloat, diarrhea) [19, 20, 53] were notably absent after TIF. The difference in the incidence of these complications probably resulted from the absence of any surgical dissection and of wrapping the greater gastric curvature around the esophagus, both of which contribute to the observed side effects after Nissen fundoplication [17, 20, 54].

The results at 12 months supported the clinical effectiveness of the TIF procedure in treating patients with chronic GERD. The overall median improvement in GERD-HRQL of 68% reported at 12 months post-TIF resulted in a complete symptom resolution in 75% of patients. Although quality of life is subjective, patients typically request treatment for their heartburn rather than for their esophagitis or abnormal esophageal acid exposure [2, 3, 15]. Although the reduction in GERD symptoms at 12 months was similar to that obtained while on PPIs, TIF resulted in higher patient satisfaction than with PPI therapy. The elimination of daily PPI dependence in 85% of patients at 12 months after the EsophyX-TIF procedure was also encouraging.

The TIF procedure was shown to be effective in reducing small hiatal hernias (≤2 cm). EsophyX has been identified as the only transoral device that is capable of reducing small hiatal hernias [50]. It was hypothesized that the durability of the reduction of hiatal hernias through TIF was accomplished by tightening the phrenoesophageal membrane, which is one of the intrinsic components of the antireflux barrier [55, 56]. The TIF reduction of small hiatal hernias was durable in 60% of patients and contributed to the significant reduction in esophageal acid exposure and esophagitis in the patients. Several studies have demonstrated similar beneficial changes in anatomy and physiology of the GE junction after eliminating a hiatal hernia, especially in terms of healing esophagitis, normalization of esophageal acid exposure, and increasing the LES resting pressure [9–11].

Restoration of the deteriorated GE junctions to Hill grade I tight valves resulted in elimination of GERD symptoms, total cessation of daily PPI use, and healing of esophagitis in more than 80% of patients. The level of effectiveness achieved at 12 months by 27% of patients with Hill grade I tight valves was significantly correlated with reduction of the hiatal hernia, normalization of the cardia circumference, and the increase in LES resting pressure. The demonstrated significant correlation between the quality of anatomic reconstruction and the improvement in clinical and pathophysiologic outcome measures provides compelling evidence to support the ability of the TIF procedure to improve the antireflux competence of the GE junction.

Although the exact underlying mechanism of TIF valves remains under investigation, the total resolution of GERD symptoms and the healing of esophagitis achieved in most of the patients in this study, especially in those with Hill grade I tight valves, are strong evidence indicating that the TIF valves contributed to a better mechanical barrier, thereby preventing GE reflux. Moreover, the durable and effective repair of small hiatal hernias, the significantly increased LES resting pressure, the narrowed cardia, and the re-created acute angle of His support the ability of the TIF procedure to enhance the competence of the antireflux barrier. The fact that preoperative hiatal hernias were smaller and less common among patients with Hill grade I tight valves (44%) than those with Hill grade II moderate valves (67%) and Hill grade III/IV loose valves (71%) at 12 months suggested that patients with small (≤ 2 cm) or no hiatal hernia might be the best initial candidates for this procedure as they experienced the best outcome in terms of esophagitis healing and symptom relief.

The 12-month results demonstrated that the level of clinical and anatomic improvements obtained following the TIF procedure was sustained over time. Technical expertise, the quality of the tailored valve, and careful postprocedure patient management have been identified as key factors for achieving the highest level of anatomic repair of the GE junction through TIF. Similar factors have been identified for successful antireflux surgeries [57–59].

Conclusion

The 12-month results of this prospective multicenter study showed that the TIF procedure using the EsophyX system with SerosaFuse fasteners was effective in improving quality of life, reducing symptoms, decreasing the need for daily PPIs, reducing esophageal acid exposure, increasing LES resting pressure, and promoting healing of esophagitis in patients with chronic GERD. The obtained improvement in clinical and pathophysiologic outcomes correlated significantly with the quality of the anatomic reconstruction. The side effects related to TIF were few and transient, and the two esophageal perforations resulting from device introduction underline the caution needed during this phase of transoral surgery. The clinical improvements obtained at 12 months after the EsophyX-TIF1.0 procedure in the study population dominated by patients with advanced stages of GERD were encouraging. The tailored fastener placement technique (TIF2.0) is expected to further improve on these results and support the use of EsophyX-TIF for the treatment of GERD.

Note

Based on the results obtained in the present study, the EsophyX/SerosaFuse system was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2007 and is indicated for use in transoral tissue approximation, full-thickness plication and ligation in the GI tract, for the treatment of symptomatic chronic GERD in patients who require and respond to pharmacologic therapy, and for use in narrowing the GE junction and reducing hiatal hernia of ≤ 2 cm in patients with symptomatic chronic GERD.