Study shows the long-term benefit of the Plicator for reflux patients

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A clinical trial shows that the Plicator procedure can bring lasting relief to people with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sometimes also known as heartburn, is a painful condition caused by the entry of stomach acid into the esophagus. It can be treated with medication. But researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center now reveal that there is a long-term solution, called endoscopic plication, which uses a device called the Plicator. This restores the anti-reflux barrier, which is a fold over the top part of the stomach whose role is to keep acid out of the esophagus.

The study involved 29 patients with GERD who needed daily medication for their symptoms. They were treated with the Plicator procedure and then evaluated for GERD symptoms and medication use at 12 and 36 months after treatment. At 36 months, over half of those who had been dependent on medication remained off their treatment. The team plans further follow up on this group after another two years, to see if the benefits of the Plicator procedure are maintained.

Source
Surgical Endoscopy online 11th January 2007

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