Recent Advances in the Endoscopic Management of Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disorder: A Review of Literature

Gastro-esophageal reflux disorder (GERD) is the most common gastrointestinal tract disorder with high morbidity and heavy economic burden. Despite being treated with high-dose proton-pump inhibitors or H2 receptor blockers, a considerable percentage of patients have GERD that is only partially controlled or refractory. The majority of these patients forego surgical treatment for fear of adverse outcomes, putting them at a financial disadvantage and causing loss of productivity. Untreated GERD is the sole known risk factor for developing Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma if left untreated. With the advancement in therapeutic modalities in recent years, and given the issues such as medication compliance, the risk of adverse events with long-term antisecretory treatment, and fear of undergoing surgical treatment, endoscopic treatments such as Stretta and transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) have become a safe, cost-effective, and resilient option for the treatment of refractory GERD. Patients with refractory GERD ineligible for endoscopic therapies due to a large hiatal hernia can have their hiatal hernia corrected simultaneously with TIF (C-TIF). For the treatment of refractory GERD, endoscopic therapy is a viable and compelling option. Endoscopic therapies for refractory GERD patients are highly recommended due to their reproducible and standardized results as well as the potential to address the fundamental mechanical issue.