[Endoluminal treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: too early to determine a clear role]. / Endoscopische behandeling van gastro-oesofageale refluxziekte: nog te vroeg voor een duidelijke plaatsbepaling.

ABSTRACT

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is a chronic disorder. The most important therapeutic measure is long-term pharmacological acid inhibition. Anti-reflux surgery plays a role in cases where pharmacological treatment fails. A new development is endoluminal treatment for reflux disorders. The various methods used are based on one of the following principles radiofrequency ablation, gastroplication and implantation of a bulking agent. Short-term results with endoluminal treatment are not very positive and longer-term results have been disappointing so far. Results from randomised studies are still largely unavailable. Longer follow-up and controlled randomised studies are needed before a well-founded judgment can be made regarding the place of endoluminal treatment in the therapeutic armamentarium.