Incision-Free Procedure for GERD

The first trans-oral, incision-free endoluminal fundoplication procedure for treating severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was recently performed by Prof. Guy-Bernard Cadiere from the University of Brussels (Belgium).

"GERD is a serious disease and reflux more than three times a week or more than 20 times a year makes cancer 15 times more likely,” observed Prof. Cadiere. "About 10% of individuals with chronic GERD develop a precancerous condition, Barrett's esophagus, and 10% of these progress to cancer.”

The new procedure involves inserting a device through the mouth and into the stomach to access and reconstruct the gastroesophageal valve, thereby preventing reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus and throat. To date, seven patients have been successfully treated with the new device and procedure. Currently, there are no effective methods of curing GERD without abdominal incisions and surgical manipulation of the stomach and esophagus. The new procedure was developed by EndoGastric Solutions, Inc. (EG, Redmond, WA, USA).

Other companies have tried to develop minimally invasive endoscopic approaches to GERD but none of their products worked very well because they did not increase the competence of the gastroesophageal valve and anti-reflex barrier, according to Dr. Cadiere.

"The important thing is that we are using proven techniques and methodologies, such as the manipulations of the gastroesophageal valve as they are performed during surgery, without cutting through the abdominal wall,” added Dr. Stefan Kraemer, chief medical officer of EG Solutions.




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