Laparoscopic Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation: Potential Applications and Safety Are Becoming More Clear —But the Story Is Not Over

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects more than 20% of the US population and is the second most common gastrointestinal (GI) diagnosis in an outpatient setting, and medication cost in 2015 was estimated at nearly $13 billion (9.1% of health care costs).1 For the last 55 years, antireflux surgery (Nissen or Toupet fundoplication) has had an important role in treating patients, primarily when proton inhibitors (PPIs) have failed or alternative therapies were desired. Overall, the traditional operations have had excellent outcomes, few side effects, and commendable durability for a functional repair.

Source: Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology - October 30, 2019 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Joel E. Richter Tags: Editorial Source Type: research