Radiofrequency ablation is safe and effective in the treatment of Chinese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: A single-center prospective study.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficiency of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in Chinese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective study including 27 Chinese patients with GERD. The outcomes in all patients were evaluated before and at 3, 6, and 12 months after RFA, including their GERD health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) score, esophageal acid exposure, DeMeester score, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) resting pressure, and patient's satisfaction with symptom control. Furthermore, rabeprazole sodium (RS) administration, reflux esophagitis (RE), and intraoperative and postoperative complications were also evaluated. RESULTS: RFA treatment significantly reduced the GERD-HRQL score, the percentage of time that esophageal pH < 4, and the DeMeester score, and significantly increased the LES resting pressure in GERD patients. A need for RS administration was reduced and RE symptoms were relieved. Satisfaction rate of 92.6% and 96.3% was reported by these patients at 6 and 12 months post-treatment, respectively. Mild bleeding (<20 mL) occurred in one patient during RFA, and no serious intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed. CONCLUSION: RFA is safe and effective in the treatment of GERD in Chinese patients.