January 22, 2015
“Transoral fundoplication is an effective treatment for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), especially for patients with persistent regurgitation despite proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, according to a new study published in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association.
The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn. Also known as acid reflux disease, GERD is one of the major risk factor associated with esophageal cancer, the fastest growing cancer in the United States.
“Despite therapy, patients with GERD often suffer from troublesome regurgitation, which impairs their quality of life,” said lead study author John G. Hunter, MD, from Oregon Health & Science University. “This study offers evidence that transoral fundoplication is effective in eliminating troublesome GERD symptoms, especially regurgitation, with a low failure rate and good safety profile for six months.”
Researchers performed a prospective, sham-controlled trial to determine if transoral fundoplication provided GERD patients with better relief of troublesome regurgitation, or the sensation of acid backing up into a patient’s throat or mouth, when compared to PPI therapy. The researchers randomly assigned 129 patients with troublesome regurgitation despite daily PPI use to transoral fundoplication using the EsophyX-2 device and six months of placebo, or a sham surgery and six months of once or twice daily omeprazole. Patients were then evaluated for six months.
The primary endpoint in this study, elimination of troublesome regurgitation, was achieved in a greater proportion of patients treated with transoral fundoplication than with omeprazole: 67 percent versus 45 percent. Further, a larger proportion of controls demonstrated no response at three months (36 percent) than patients who underwent transoral fundoplication (11 percent). Subjects from both groups who completed the protocol had similar reductions in GERD symptom scores. Severe complications were rare.
GERD remains one of the most common conditions for which Americans take daily medication, and PPI use has more than doubled in the last decade. Despite this, up to 40 percent of PPI-dependent GERD patients have troublesome symptoms of GERD.
Transoral fundoplication — an incisionless procedure that allows physicians to reshape the anti-reflux valve that prevents stomach acid and contents from flowing up into the esophagus — may offer a new treatment option for these patients.
This study provides evidence of transoral fundoplication’s efficacy, and will likely lead to more widespread use of the procedure in clinical practice.. To help health-care decision makers make informed decisions regarding this technology, the AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology has partnered with EndoGastric Solutions® to establish the STAR Registry (Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication (LNF) Surgery Versus Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF®): Anti-Reflux Treatment Registry). The STAR Registry will provide the first real-world data observing patient outcomes following laparoscopic surgery and transoral fundoplication with the EsophyX® device. Learn more about this endeavor here.”
Learn more about GERD in the AGA patient brochure.
This post is based on information provided by The American Gastroenterological Association.
Other sources: “Esophageal Cancer On The Rise,” WebMD
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
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Posted by salgiblogs
January 16, 2015
This post was originally published on January 1, 2015 on the website: “On a Brighter Note” by Lori Welbourne. Thank you Ms. Welbourne for allowing us to share this inspiring story.
FATHER’S CHERISHED GIFTS:
Two months ago my dad called and as soon as I heard the sound of his voice I knew something was wrong.
“Hi, Honey,” he said softly. “Do you have a couple of minutes?” Instinctively my eyes welled up with tears and I could feel my throat constrict.
“Yes,” I said, bracing myself for the news he was about to deliver. His voice uncharacteristically cracked with emotion as he told me he had esophageal cancer. Feeling the quick onset of a throbbing headache and a shortness of breath I failed to stop myself from crying out loud.
“I don’t want you to worry,” he said. “I’ll be going for tests and we’ll find out what can be done. I’ll keep you informed. Just think positive thoughts, okay? There’s nothing we can’t handle.”
After our conversation ended and I hung up the phone I no longer tried to control my sorrow and allowed myself to weep with abandon.
Ken White was only 67 years old and had just retired in May. He was full of life and excited about the future. He’d been diagnosed with skin cancer and a slow-growing leukemia not long ago – both of which he’d downplayed as nothing to be concerned about. But this new discovery of a life-threatening tumor in his lower esophagus was alarming.
I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening in a haze. I tried to only think optimistically as he requested, but I found myself emotionally raw and physically drained, breaking down in tears several times over the next few days. After our mother’s death less than a year prior I’d convinced myself that our healthy father would live to be at least 100 years old.
Over the next couple of weeks, as he went for tests and we waited for results I got better at carrying out his wishes to only think positively, and when he called with an update I fully expected him to tell me the cancer was treatable. When my hopes were met I cried again, but this time with tears of joy.
“We’re going to fight this aggressively, Kiddo,” my dad said, detailing the weekly chemotherapy and daily radiation treatments for the entire month of December. “Hopefully the tumor will decrease in size and the surgeon will be able to remove it in the new year.”
As promised, Dad kept us updated with his progress, even sending smiling pictures of himself hooked up to an IV getting his chemo.
Since he was advised to avoid crowds and public places so his weakened immune system wouldn’t be challenged, we weren’t sure if we’d have the opportunity to see him at Christmas. Fortunately his doctors approved a visit from us providing we were in good health.
My children, husband, brothers, sister-in-law, nephews, uncle, grandma and I arrived at Dad’s place on Boxing Day at 11 am at his request. When we got to the door his wife said he was resting and summoned us into the living room. We visited quietly for awhile until we were suddenly interrupted by a jolly good bellowing of “Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas!”
Looking up in surprise, I watched my father enter the room wearing a Santa outfit and beard, ringing a bell and handing out gift cards to everyone.
Again I felt my eyes well up with tears of joy.
It was one of those moments I’ll never forget. Not because it caught us off guard in such a sweet and wonderful way, but because it so completely captured the essence of this man who always seems to react to everything with an optimistic frame of mind.
“My cup is never half empty,” he’s often said over the years. And from a lifetime of observing how he’s chosen to think, his cup isn’t just half full, it’s running over.
Dad’s jovial outlook has been an incredible blessing to our family. But the gift we cherish most is his unconditional love and support – something we adoringly give right back.
Would you like to share your personal experiences with esophageal cancer? Learn more about how your story can make a difference: Share Your Story
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Posted by salgiblogs
January 13, 2015
Earlier this year, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine published a new study in which they claim and have been reported by the news media as claiming that the majority of cancers are due to “bad luck.” They have more recently come back to address the concerns and questions that generated due to their initial statements.
Esophageal cancer was included in the study of 31 cancer types and was also mentioned in a diagram that came with the press release from Johns Hopkins.
At first look, we became quite alarmed.
For years, we have explained the dangerous risk factors associated with esophageal cancer and the importance of early detection to improve the chances of survival; which are currently grim.
There is substantial research which proves that factors including, but not limited to: chronic heartburn, obesity, tobacco use, poor nutrition and excessive drinking can increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.
Unfortunately, this new research from John Hopkins and subsequent media reports seems to imply otherwise.
Esophageal cancer should not be categorized as “bad luck.”
These statements have the potential to bring us leaps and bounds backwards in this mission to raise awareness of the dangerous and deadly risk factors associated with esophageal cancer.
Especially chronic heartburn, which is one of the most common symptoms of the primary risk factor associated with esophageal cancer. Barrett’s esophagus is a potentially precancerous condition which is caused only by the reflux of stomach acids and contents upwards into the esophagus.
Raising awareness of risk factors associated with esophageal cancer can help to reduce incidence of esophageal cancer diagnosis; just as encouraging those who are at an elevated risk to speak with their doctors about getting screened as early as possible will improve the chances of survival if esophageal cancer is detected.
This research does shed light on an important aspect of esophageal cancer.
There are cases of esophageal cancer which occur in people who do not have any of these risk factors. These people never had acid reflux or had mild, occasional heartburn; never smoked or used any tobacco products; exercised regularly; ate a well-balance and nutritious diet; maintained a healthy weight and did not use alcohol in excess.
How will we encourage these people to get screened for a cancer that they show no risk for?
How can they reduce their risk of esophageal cancer if they are already considered not to be at risk?
The takeaway from these new claims from John Hopkins should be that there is still a dire need for funding of esophageal cancer research. Researchers need to explore the fundamental reasons behind esophageal cancer, especially in those who show no risk.
Would you like to support these efforts and to fund esophageal cancer research? Please click here to make a contribution in support of our mission.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Posted by salgiblogs
January 8, 2015
“EnteroTrack, LLC and the University of Colorado (CU) have executed an exclusive license agreement that will allow the company to develop and market a novel device to monitor inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Diagnosing inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract such as eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), severe gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE), food allergic enteropathy (FAE), and inflammatory bowel disease (lBD) is often difficult, since blood tests and radio-imaging aren’t able to pinpoint the cause of inflammation. Ultimately, many patients must undergo endoscopy – use of an instrument to visualize the esophagus and collect samples for testing.
EnteroTrack LLC is developing a capsule that allows for simple, low-cost analysis of esophageal content. The capsule can help identify the presence of esophageal inflammation, leading to faster treatment. The capsule can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment, and in the future may also be used to help diagnose esophageal diseases.
The company was formed as a result of a partnership between Glenn T. Furuta, M.D., a professor of pediatrics at the CU School of Medicine at the Anschutz Medical Campus and a pediatric gastroenterologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado; Robin Shandas, Ph.D., professor and chair of bioengineering at the University of Colorado Denver, College of Engineering and Applied Science; and Steven Ackerman, Ph.D., a professor of biochemistry at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago.
“This partnership represents the best aspect of academic medicine,” said Furuta. “We have been able to successfully collaborate in a multi-disciplinary fashion to develop and execute a plan that will ultimately improve the lives children and adults with gastrointestinal diseases.” Furuta developed the technology in collaboration with Ackerman; the duo then approached Shandas to move the idea from the university research lab into a commercial entity.
At that time, Children’s Hospital Colorado stepped in to provide seed funding to the company, supporting the innovative research of the researchers and recognizing the opportunity to positively impact the lives of children with inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal track.
“Given the increasing pressures to contain costs, there is clear rationale for innovative, cost-effective methods to monitor esophageal diseases,” said Shandas, who is acting as the company’s interim CEO. “This technology holds particular promise because it can reduce total patient care costs while keeping good margins. We hope to obtain FDA approval for the device in 2015.”
Source: University of Colorado (CU)
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Posted by salgiblogs
January 7, 2015
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity established to raise awareness, encourage early detection and to fund research of esophageal cancer…in hopes of a cure.™
Established on November 21, 2011, in memory of The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation’s President’s father who died of esophageal cancer, the charity has successfully achieved two out of their three core missions in less than five years; awareness and encouraging early detection.
Now, for the first time, The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation will accomplish the third part of its mission by funding research of esophageal cancer.
“The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is excited to announce that our grant funding period is now open and will begin the process of receiving applications.”
Currently, esophageal cancer [adenocarcinoma] is the fastest growing cancer in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute and is rapidly increasing in many other western countries.
Esophageal cancer has increased over 600% in past decades, which some experts say may be attributed to the rising number of people being affected by Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, known more commonly as GERD or acid reflux disease. The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn, which affects billions of people each year.
Unfortunately, many are unaware that chronic heartburn can lead to esophageal cancer.
Also one of the deadliest cancers, symptoms of esophageal cancer, such as difficulty swallowing, do not typically appear until the cancer has spread and becomes much more difficult to treat. There are also no standard or routine screenings to detect esophageal cancer in its earlier stages.
Patients diagnosed with Stage IV esophageal cancer face a survival rate of 3.8%. The overall 5 year survival rate for esophageal cancer is only 17.5%.
Despite these facts, esophageal cancer is among a group of cancers that receive the least amount of medical research funding from the federal government.
In fact, the National Cancer Institute decreased funding for research of esophageal cancer by 15% in 2012. NCI invests a mere $28.0 million out of their total $5.07 billion budget for esophageal cancer. That is approximately half of one percent.
In 2014, while The American Cancer Society reported on their website that they currently fund 1,165 cancer research projects, but only 8 of those projects are for esophageal cancer research.
There is a dire need for funding for esophageal cancer research. The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation welcomes applications from researchers who are working in the areas of prevention, early detection and treatment of esophageal cancer.
Researchers are invited to click here for more information on the Grant Application Process.
Those who wish to contribute to the Foundation’s esophageal cancer research efforts can click here to make a tax-deductible donation.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Posted by salgiblogs
January 6, 2015
“Low alcohol consumption and a plant-based diet, both healthy habits aligning with current cancer prevention guidelines, are associated with reducing the risk of obesity-related cancers, a New York University study shows. The findings appear in the journal Cancer Causes & Control.
“Our research aims to clarify associations between diet and physical activity in relation to cancer to encourage at-risk individuals to make lifestyle modifications that may reduce their risk of certain cancers,” said Nour Makarem, a nutrition doctoral student at NYU Steinhardt and the study’s lead author.
A third of cancers are estimated to be related to excess body fat, and are therefore considered preventable through lifestyle changes. Obesity-related cancers include cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, reproductive organs, urinary tract, blood, bone, spleen, and thyroid.
Obesity is considered a risk factor for esophageal cancer, the fastest growing cancer in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. Other risk factors for esophageal cancer include tobacco use, poor nutrition, excessive alcohol use and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (chronic acid reflux, heartburn being the most common symptom.)
In 1997, the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research released cancer prevention guidelines advising on weight management, diet, and physical activity. These guidelines, updated in 2007, provide an integrated approach for establishing healthy habits that reduce cancer incidence.
In their study, Makarem and her colleagues sought to evaluate whether healthy behaviors aligning with the diet and physical activity cancer prevention guidelines are in fact associated with reduced risk for obesity-related cancers and the most common site-specific cancers (breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers).
The researchers analyzed medical and dietary data for 2,983 men and women who were part of the Framingham Heart Study, a 60-year population study tracking factors related to cardiovascular disease as well as cancer. Focusing on data from 1991 through 2008, they identified 480 obesity-related cancers among the participants.
In order to calculate the relationship between the cancer prevention recommendations and cancer incidence, the researchers created a seven-point score based on the recommendations for body fat, physical activity, foods that promote weight gain, plant foods, animal foods, alcohol consumption, and food preparation and processing.
After adjusting for other factors that could contribute to cancer risk, including age, smoking, and pre-existing conditions, the researchers found that the overall score, as a proxy for overall concordance to the guidelines, was not associated with obesity-related cancer risk. However, when score components were evaluated separately, two different measures emerged as strong predictors of cancer risk.
In the current study, adherence to alcohol recommendations – limiting alcoholic drinks to two for men and one for women a day – was protective against obesity-related cancers combined and against breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. In addition, among participants who consume starchy vegetables, eating sufficient non-starchy plant foods (fruits, vegetables, and legumes) was associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer.
“Based on the study’s results, dietary advice on preventing cancer should emphasize the importance of eating a plant-based diet and restricting alcohol consumption,” said Niyati Parekh, associate professor of nutrition and public health at NYU Steinhardt and the study’s senior author.”
This post is based on information provided by New York University.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Posted by salgiblogs
December 31, 2014
It is officially the New Year and for many, that also means setting New Year resolutions. According to Reuters, “losing weight and getting fit and healthy are among the top five resolutions [made] every year.”
Unfortunately, many of these goals fade away and are never fulfilled. In fact, forty-five percent of Americans make New Year resolutions each year, but only eight percent succeed, according to a University of Scranton study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology. While the odds are very much against the success of New Year resolutions, these goals are extremely important to our health, especially when it comes to esophageal cancer prevention.
Esophageal cancer is the fastest growing cancer in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. It has increased over 600% in the past decades and shows no signs of slowing down. As one of the deadliest cancers, esophageal cancer has an extremely poor 5-year survival rate of only 17.5%.
Some of the major risk factors associated with esophageal cancer are chronic heartburn (acid reflux), obesity, smoking and poor nutrition.
Losing weight, eating healthier, exercising and quitting tobacco use are all ways to help lower the risk of esophageal cancer, in addition to improving other aspects of overall health.
Below are five articles that we’ve chosen from throughout the web to help you create and, more importantly, stick to resolutions to improve your health. Whether you create these goals today, tomorrow or well after the New Year, we support and encourage you to improve your health!
What is on your New Year resolution list? Share them with us on Facebook!
Resources for New Year Resolution Success:
New Year’s resolutions- more procrastination than motivation, Reuters
Tips for making GERD diet and lifestyle changes that stick, RefluxMD
The Key To Setting Achievable Goals, Huffington Post
11 Simple Health Habits Worth Adopting Into Your Life, Cleveland Clinic
Why your healthier lifestyle should start today, Medical Daily
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Posted by salgiblogs
December 30, 2014
“Driven by obesity and acid reflux, adenocarcinoma of the esophagus has become the fastest rising cancer in white men in the United States, said experts from Baylor College of Medicine and University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine in a review article published in New England Journal of Medicine. The review summarizes the latest developments in the risk factors, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of the two major types of esophageal cancer.
“It’s important to remember that the risk factors (obesity and acid reflux) are potentially modifiable,” said Dr. Hashem El-Serag, senior author of the review and chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at Baylor.
Esophageal cancer is [considered] rare in young individuals but increases with age, peaking at ages 70 to 80. The cancer is three to four times as common in men as it is in women, the authors stated.
However, esophageal cancer is the fastest growing cancer in the US, according to the National Cancer Institute. This also attributes to the increase in the number of men and women of all ages who have been diagnosed with cancer.
The review details how daily and weekly symptoms of acid reflux increase a person’s likelihood of developing this form of cancer. It also explains how abdominal obesity increases the risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus and cancer. Increased pressure causes the stomach to move upward, which can cause and exacerbate acid reflux symptoms.
Barrett’s esophagus, a precursor lesion to adenocarcinoma, can be detected through an endoscopy.
“People who are obese or have chronic acid reflux should consider having an endoscopy to be screened for Barrett’s or adenocarcinoma,” El-Serag stressed.
A technique called radiofrequency ablation can help prevent progression to cancer in those with Barrett’s esophagus who develop an abnormality called dysplasia.
“Radiofrequency ablation can be done endoscopically by a gastroenterologist,” El-Serag explained. “This reduces the risk of cancer and has proven safe and effective.”
He estimated that as many as 86 percent of dysplasia cases treated with radiofrequency do not go on to become cancer.”
The other author in this review is Anil K. Rustgi, chief of gastroenterology at University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia.
SOURCE: Baylor College of Medicine
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Posted by salgiblogs
December 26, 2014
“A newly published, pathologist-blinded study in a porcine model, examines the histopathology changes after non-ablative radiofrequency (NARF) to smooth muscle as delivered by Stretta therapy for GERD and Secca therapy for fecal incontinence. Radiofrequency therapy is commonly thought of in terms of ablation, where tissue destruction occurs. In contrast, this study shows that this unique low power, low temperature non-ablative type of radiofrequency (NARF) improves the smooth-muscle sphincters of the GI tract, as well as the skeletal muscle of the external anal sphincter. The investigation confirms multiple mechanisms that may regenerate and improve the function of the treated sphincter muscles, offering symptom improvement for patients suffering from these debilitating disorders.
The study documented the following advantages of NARF in the presence of a compromised sphincter:
- Hypertrophy of both smooth and skeletal muscle fibers
- Smooth muscle size and muscle bundle increase
- Interstitial Cells of Cajal (ICCs) decrease
- Collagen I synthesis promotion, with an increase in the Collagen I/Collagen III ratio
- Fibrosis is diminished, due to a regression of excessive collagen deposition
- Similar effect on Type I and II fibers as reinervation (nerve regrowth)
Study senior author Dr. Steven Wexner, Director of the Digestive Disease Center and Chairman of the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Florida, and a paid consultant for Mederi Therapeutics Inc., commented: “The results of this study should allow us to help patients with GERD and fecal incontinence, as the regeneration we see here clarifies the mechanism of action of radiofrequency treatment.”
The randomized study was performed on an animal model of fecal incontinence with three study arms: an experimental model of fecal incontinence with damage to the sphincter muscle, which remained untreated; a group with sphincter damage, treated with NARF; a control group without a damaged sphincter and without treatment. After 10 weeks the treated tissue was excised and preserved. The resulting H&E and trichrome slides were examined by two pathologists, who were blinded to the tissue sample origin.
Study principal author Dr. Mariana Berho, Director of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Center and of the Center for Research at Cleveland Clinic Florida and a paid consultant for Mederi Therapeutics Inc. explained: “The results of this animal model study are extremely valuable as they may reflect the changes that take place in the human lower esophageal sphincter as well as the internal anal sphincter after the administration of radiofrequency.”
This investigation concluded that non-ablative radiofrequency application appeared to induce profound morphological changes in the sphincter muscle that lead to an anatomical state reminiscent of the baseline sphincter structure. Further, the regeneration of muscle explains how NARF therapies, Stretta and Secca work to improve the symptoms that accompany GERD and fecal incontinence.”
For more information: www.stretta-therapy.com and www.secca-therapy.com.
SOURCE: Mederi Therapeutics Inc.
The Salgi Esophageal Cancer Research Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service.
Content found on Salgi.org is for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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Posted by salgiblogs
December 26, 2014
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Center for GI Innovation and Technology is pleased to announce that the first two enrollees in the STAR Registry — which seeks to compare laparoscopic surgery to an incisionless procedure to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — have successfully undergone treatment.
“This is an important milestone in AGA’s endeavor to develop national observational registries to help bring new medical devices and treatments to physicians and their patients in an efficient, safe and meaningful way,” said Ashish Atreja, MD, MPH, chair of the registry oversight subcommittee of the AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology. “With each patient, we will collect valuable data evaluating safety, efficacy and comparative outcomes. The goal of this registry is to provide the entire health-care system — patients, payors, purchasers and providers — with evidence to back future technology decisions.”
As a neutral objective broker, the AGA Center for GI Innovation and Technology has partnered with EndoGastric Solutions® to establish the STAR Registry (Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication (LNF) Surgery Versus Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF®):Anti-Reflux Treatment Registry). The STAR Registry will provide the first real-world data observing patient outcomes following laparoscopic surgery and transoral fundoplication with the EsophyX® device. Transoral fundoplication is an incisionless procedure that allows physicians to reshape the anti-reflux valve that prevents stomach acid and contents from flowing up into the esophagus. Both of the surgical procedures for GERD examined in the STAR Registry are performed with FDA-cleared devices and techniques.
The first two patients, who underwent incisionless fundoplication, were treated at:
- Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, NY, under the care of Anthony A. Starpoli, MD, and Gregory B. Haber, MD.
- SurgOne Foregut Institute in Englewood, CO, under the care of Reginald Bell, MD.
“GERD is a deceptively complex condition and the most commonly used treatment options may not adequately serve all patients,” said Dr. Starpoli, associate director of esophageal endotherapy at Lenox Hill Hospital. “I’m honored to support the collection of data that will be used to evaluate the durability and safety of this technology, which could provide a new evidence-based treatment option for patients suffering from GERD.”
“By participating in this national observational registry, we are collecting important data that will improve the future of GERD treatment,” said Dr. Bell, founder of SurgOne Foregut Institute. “As a physician, I’m thrilled to know that I will have access to long-term efficacy data about patients who choose surgical therapy for GERD, which is invaluable to patient care decisions.”
As with all patients enrolled in the registry, data from the first two patients will be collected from standard follow up appointments with the patients, and the registry staff will also check in with the patients every six months for approximately three years following the GERD procedure. Researchers will use this data to compare effectiveness, safety, post-operative side effects or post-procedure costs associated with episodes of care and any ensuing complications.
Source: American Gastroenterological Association
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