[Recent aspects in endoscopic and surgical antireflux therapy]

In addition to well established operative procedures for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, several laparoscopic, combined laparo-endoscopic, endoscopically guided or assisted, and purely endoscopic procedures have been developed in recent years (semiabsorbable antireflux scarf, laparo-endoscopic intraluminal valvuloplastic, endoluminal gastroplication procedure (C. R. Bard Inc.), endoscopic radiofrequency delivery to the lower esophageal sphincter (= Stretta procedure, Curon Medical Inc.), endoscopic implantable biopolymer (Enteryx) (= LESA procedure, Enteric Medical Technologies Inc.). At present, initial positive experimental and clinical results demonstrate a possible reinforcement of the reflux barrier at the esophagogastric junction. Information on a broader clinical application, a possible spectrum of indications, and long-term results on the safety and endurance of these procedures are not yet available.