Electrical stimulation of the lower oesophageal sphincter for treating gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common problem. It is caused by several conditions that disturb the sphincter function at the lower end of the oesophagus, such as hiatus hernia. Symptoms of GORD can be broadly grouped into those directly related to reflux episodes, such as heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain and nausea, and those symptoms caused by complications of reflux disease, including dysphagia and respiratory difficulties. Repeated episodes of GORD can damage the lining of the oesophagus and lead to oesophageal ulceration, oesophageal stricture and Barrett's oesophagus.

The standard treatments for patients with symptomatic GORD are lifestyle modification and drug therapy. Patients who have refractory symptoms, who develop complications despite medication or who develop intolerance to medication may be considered for anti‑reflux surgery (usually laparoscopic fundoplication). Several endoscopic techniques (such as endoscopic radiofrequency ablation or endoscopic injection of bulking agents) have also been used.