The effects of transoral incisionless fundoplication on chronic GERD patients: 12-month prospective multicenter experience.

PURPOSE:This study aimed to assess the impact of transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) on patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) at 12-month follow-up. METHODS:Clinical outcomes of 100 consecutive patients with chronic GERD who underwent TIF between January 2010 and February 2011 were analyzed. RESULTS:There were no major complications reported. Esophageal acid exposure was normalized in 14/27 (52%) of patients who underwent 12-month pH testing. Seventy-four percent of all patients were off proton pump inhibitors versus 92% on daily proton pump inhibitors before TIF, P<0.001. Daily bothersome heartburn and regurgitation symptoms were eliminated in 66/85 (78%) and 48/58 (83%) of patients. Median reflux symptom index score was reduced from 20 (0 to 41) to 5 (0 to 44), P<0.001. Two patients reported de novo dysphagia and 1 patient reported bloating (scores 0 to 3). Six patients underwent revision; 5 laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and 1 TIF. CONCLUSIONS:TIF provided a safe and effective therapeutic option for carefully selected patients with chronic GERD.