Randomized Controlled Trial of Anti-reflux Mucosectomy Versus Radiofrequency Energy Delivery for Proton Pump Inhibitor-refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The efficacy and safety of anti-reflux mucosectomy (ARMS) or radiofrequency energy delivery in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been reported, but the difference between the 2 remains unclear. METHODS: This was a single center, randomized, comparative clinical study. Patients with symptoms of heartburn and/or regurgitation despite proton pump inhibitor treatment were randomly assigned to either ARMS group (n = 20) or radiofrequency group (n = 20). Primary outcome was the standardized GERD questionnaire (GERDQ) at 2 years after the procedures. Secondary outcomes were the proportions of patients with complete proton pump inhibitor (PPI) cessation and patients satisfied with the treatment. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients randomized to ARMS and 16 to radiofrequency were analyzed in this study. The operation success rate of the 2 groups was 100%. In both ARMS and radiofrequency groups, GERDQ scores at 2 years after the procedures were significantly lower than that before operation (P = 0.044 and P = 0.046). At 2 years postoperatively, the scores of GERDQ did not differ between the 2 groups (P = 0.755). There was no significant difference in the rate of discontinuation of PPIs and patient satisfaction in the ARMS and radiofrequency groups (P = 0.642 and P = 0.934). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical efficacy of ARMS and radiofrequency for the PPI-refractory GERD is equivalent. ARMS, the efficacy of which could be maintained for at least 2 years, is promising endoscopic management for the treatment of refractory GERD.