Short-term Results of Laparoscopic Anti-reflux Surgery with the RefluxStop Device in Patients with Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease and Ineffective Esophageal Motility

Overview

Journal Langenbecks Arch Surg

Specialty General Surgery

Date 2024 Feb 28

PMID 38418718

Authors

Yannick Fringeli

Ioannis Linas

Ulf Kessler

Joerg Zehetner

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: In gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) requiring surgical treatment, concomitant ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) is a decisive factor in surgical planning, due to concern regarding dysphagia. Anti-reflux surgery with the RefluxStop device is a promising technique. We assessed initial feasibility and clinical outcomes of RefluxStop surgery in patients with GERD and IEM.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with GERD, hiatal hernia (HH), and IEM, who underwent surgery with RefluxStop at our institution and achieved 12-month follow-up. Technique feasibility was assessed, in addition to symptom resolution (GERD-HRQL questionnaire), adverse events, HH recurrence, dysphagia, and patient satisfaction. Placement of the device was confirmed by video fluoroscopy on postoperative day 1, and at 3 and 12 months.

Results: Between June 2020 and November 2022, 20 patients with IEM underwent surgery with RefluxStop and completed 12-month follow-up. All patients reported typical symptoms of GERD, and 12 had preoperative dysphagia. The median HH length was 4.5 cm (IQR, 3.75-5). The median operating time was 59.5 min (IQR, 50.25-64) with no implant-related intra- or postoperative complications. No HH recurrence was observed. One patient reported persistent left-sided thoracic pain at 11 months post-surgery, which required diagnostic laparoscopy and adhesiolysis. Three patients reported severe postoperative dysphagia: balloon dilatation was performed towards resolution. The mean GERD-HRQL scores improved (from 40.7 at baseline to 4.8 at 3 months and 5.7 at 12 months (p <0.001)).

Conclusion: RefluxStop surgery was feasible and offered effective treatment for this group of patients with GERD and IEM. All patients had complete resolution or significant improvement of GERD symptoms, and 90% of them were satisfied with their quality of life 1 year after surgery.

Citing Articles

A retrospective study assessing RefluxStop surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease: Clinical outcomes in 79 patients from Germany.

Lehmann T, Simkus M, Oehler C Surg Open Sci. 2025; 23():9-15.

PMID: 39816697 PMC: 11733044. DOI: 10.1016/j.sopen.2024.12.003.

Multicentric short term and safety study of ineffective esophageal motility patients treated with RefluxStop device.

Feka J, Saad M, Boyle N, Paireder M, Kristo I, Rieder E Sci Rep. 2024; 14(1):15425.

PMID: 38965324 PMC: 11224307. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65751-5.

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