Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Bard EndoCinch Suturing System
Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, have many treatment options available to them to reduce the symptoms of their condition.  While many patients find relief with acid-blocking medication, others prefer surgery to relieve severe symptoms or eliminate the need for daily medication.

The EndoCinch Procedure
The EndoCinch procedure is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for the treatment of GERD. Instead of wrapping part of the stomach around the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES, the EndoCinch procedure uses sutures to create pleats at the LES. These pleats, or plications, are cinched together to reduce the size of the esophagus opening, restricting food from traveling upward into the esophagus.

During the EndoCinch procedure, a video endoscope is inserted into the mouth and threaded down to the esophagus so that the surgeon can examine the area.  The surgeon then places two adjacent sutures, attaching them to each other to form a pleat across the opening of the esophagus. The EndoCinch procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis with mild sedation.  Patients can return home on the same day and are usually able to return to work and other normal activities by the next day. For most patients, the EndoCinch procedure reduces the need for acid-blocking medication.