Individualizing the choice of surgical therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease

Proton-pump inhibitor therapy does not provide complete relief of symptoms in up to 40% of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Antireflux surgery (ARS) aims to reconstruct the natural antireflux barrier consisting of the diaphragmatic crura, the lower esophageal sphincter, and the gastroesophageal flap valve.

Although the 360° Nissen fundoplication combined with crural repair remains the gold-standard ARS treatment for GERD, the Toupet and Dor partial fundoplications and the magnetic sphincter augmentation (LINX) procedure have emerged as suitable alternative options with fewer side-effects. Randomized and observational clinical studies show that reflux control with partial fundoplications and LINX is acceptable and the risk of side-effects is minimal. Early results with the novel Refluxstop procedure show that restoration of distal esophageal length and the gastroesophageal flap valve, combined with anterior fundoplication and a silicon prosthesis to stabilize the esophagogastric junction below the diaphragm, can also provide excellent reflux control with minimal side-effects.

Laparoscopic ARS should be performed in centers offering a comprehensive diagnostic pathway and a spectrum of techniques tailored to the individual GERD patient's phenotype and expectations. Further research is needed to provide more personalized and durable ARS.