A Stimulating New Approach to GERD Treatment?

Electrical stimulation therapy shows promise in treating refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease, particularly for regurgitation symptoms.

Preliminary data suggest clinical improvement of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with electrical stimulation therapy (EST) of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

In an industry-sponsored, open-label study, investigators prospectively assessed the safety and efficacy of EST in 42 patients with chronic GERD (defined by symptoms and pH monitoring), hiatal hernia ≤3 cm, and incomplete relief with a daily proton-pump inhibitor (PPI). All patients underwent successful EST placement via laparoscopy; electrodes were placed in the muscular layer of the LES and then secured to the device, buried in a subcutaneous pocket of the abdominal wall. During EST placement, a crural repair was performed in 10 of 16 patients with a hiatal hernia ≥2 cm.

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Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors