Safety and short-term efficacy of GERD patients with ineffective esophageal motility treated with RefluxStop™ device implantation – a multicentric observational study

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Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) presents a general health problem with a variety of symptoms and an impairment of life quality. Conservative therapies do not offer sufficient symptom relief in up to 30% of patients. Especially in patients with GERD and ineffective esophageal motility (IEM), surgical treatment is often inevitable, due to possible side effects. RefluxStop is a new alternative anti-reflux surgery potentially reducing postoperative dysphagia rates. Methods In this bicentric tertiary hospital observational study consecutive patients diagnosed with PPI refractory GERD and IEM that received RefluxStop implantation were included. A first safety and efficacy evaluation including clinical examination and GERD-HRQL questionnaire was conducted. Results 40 patients (25 male and 15 female) were included. 31 patients (77.5%) were on PPI at time of surgery, with mean acid exposure time of 8.14% ± 2.53. The median hospital stay was 3 days. Postoperative QoL improved significantly measured by GERD HRQL total score from 32.83 ± 5.08 to 6.6 ± 3.71 (p < 0.001). A 84% reduction of PPI usage (p < 0.001) was noted. 36 patients (90%) showed gone or improved symptoms and were satisfied at first follow-up. Two severe adverse events need mentioning: one postoperative slipping of the RefluxStop with need of immediate revisional operation on the first postoperative day (clavian-dindo score 3b) and one device migration with no necessary further intervention. Conclusion RefluxStop device implantation is safe and efficient in the short term follow up in patients with GERD and IEM. Further studies and longer follow-up are necessary to prove long-lasting positive effects.