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Effect of transoral incisionless fundoplication on reflux mechanisms

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Abstract

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 junction (EGJ) distensibility.

Methods

GERD patients (N = 15; 11 males, mean age 41 years, range 23–66), dissatisfied with medical treatment were studied before and 6 months after TIF. We performed 90-min postprandial combined high-resolution manometry and impedance-pH monitoring and an ambulatory 24-h pH-impedance monitoring. EGJ distensibility was evaluated using an endoscopic functional luminal imaging probe before and directly after the procedure.

Results

TIF reduced the number of postprandial TLESRs (16.8 ± 1.5 vs. 9.2 ± 1.3; p < 0.01) and the number of postprandial TLESRs associated with reflux (11.1 ± 1.6 vs. 5.6 ± 0.6; p < 0.01), but the proportion of TLESRs associated with reflux was unaltered (67.6 ± 6.9 vs. 69.9 ± 6.3 %). TIF also led to a decrease in the number and proximal extent of reflux episodes and an improvement of acid exposure in the upright position; conversely, TIF had no effect on the number of gas reflux episodes. EGJ distensibility was reduced after the procedure (2.4 ± 0.3 vs. 1.6 ± 0.2 mm2/mmHg; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

TIF reduced the number of postprandial TLESRs, the number of TLESRs associated with reflux and EGJ distensibility. This resulted in a reduction of the number and proximal extent of reflux episodes and improvement of acid exposure in the upright position. The anti-reflux effect of TIF showed to be selective for liquid-containing reflux only, thereby preserving the ability of venting gastric air.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank P. Waterval, N. Costongs, and R. Jans for their assistance during the study measurements and Dana Hamers for the illustration of the TIF procedure.

Disclosures

Nicolaas F. Rinsma, Fabiënne G. Smeets, Daisy W. Bruls, Boudewijn F. Kessing, Nicole D. Bouvy, Ad A.M. Masclee and José M. Conchillo have no conflict of interest or financial ties to disclose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Postbox 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands

    Nicolaas F. Rinsma, Fabiënne G. Smeets, Daisy W. Bruls, Boudewijn F. Kessing, Ad A. M. Masclee & José M. Conchillo

  2. Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands

    Nicole D. Bouvy

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  1. Nicolaas F. Rinsma
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  2. Fabiënne G. Smeets
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Correspondence to José M. Conchillo.

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Rinsma, N.F., Smeets, F.G., Bruls, D.W. et al. Effect of transoral incisionless fundoplication on reflux mechanisms. Surg Endosc 28, 941–949 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-013-3250-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-013-3250-7

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