This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Systematic review of endoscopic treatments for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease. BJS 2009; 96: 128-136.
Published: 21st January 2009
Authors: D. Chen, C. Barber, P. McLoughlin, P. Thavaneswaran, G. G. Jamieson, G. J. Maddern et al.
Background
The aim of this review was to assess the safety and efficacy of endoscopic procedures for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease.
Method
Literature databases including Medline, Embase and PubMed were searched up to May 2006 without language restriction. Randomized controlled trials and non‐randomized comparative studies with at least ten patients in each study arm, and case series studies of at least ten patients, were included.
Results
A total of 33 studies examining seven endoscopic procedures (Stretta® procedure, Bard® EndoCinch™, Wilson‐Cook Endoscopic Suturing Device, NDO Plicator™, Enteryx®, Gatekeeper™ Reflux Repair System and Plexiglas®) were included in the review. Of the three procedures that were tested against sham controls (Stretta® procedure, Bard® EndoCinch™ and Enteryx®), patient outcomes in the treatment group were either as good as, or significantly better than, those of control patients in terms of heartburn symptoms, quality of life and medication usage. However, for the two procedures that were tested against laparoscopic fundoplication (Stretta® procedure and Bard® EndoCinch™), outcomes for patients in the endoscopic group were either as good as, or inferior to, those for the laparoscopic group.
Conclusion
At present there is insufficient evidence to determine the safety and efficacy of endoscopic procedures for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease, particularly in the long term. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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