Abstract:

This chapter addresses emergent endoluminal technologies available currently for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). To date, the mainstay of GERD therapy has been achieved with either open or laparoscopic fundoplication, or life-long medical treatment. Endoluminal treatment modalities attempt to augment the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) function by various techniques. We searched the PubMed database from 1980 to 2005 for studies on endoscopic GERD techniques. Product investigators were contacted for data presented mainly in Abstract form. Endoluminal management of GERD includes using radiofrequency energy, injection of biocompatible polymers, and endoluminal sutures to alter the GEJ and reduce reflux. With currently earned and further growing experience, endoscopic treatment of GERD has future promise; however, more experience and perhaps further refinement in techniques and technology must occur before widespread clinical application can be encouraged.

Authors:

Victor Bochkarev, M.D.; Syed Imram Ahmed, M.D.; Chad Ringley, M.D., Dmitry Oleynikov, M.D. Center, Omaha

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