HOMEPAGE – Endoscopic Anti-Reflux Therapy
Endoscopic Anti-Reflux Therapy
GERDx (Endoscopic Fundoplication System)
An endoscopic suturing device that creates a partial fundoplication (like surgical fundoplication but via endoscopy).
Use: Improves the barrier function of the gastroesophageal junction, reducing reflux.
ARMS (Anti-Reflux Mucosectomy)
Resection of a crescent-shaped mucosal area around the gastroesophageal junction.
Mechanism: Scar tissue formation after healing narrows the junction, helping prevent reflux.
Use: Patients with mild to moderate GERD without hiatal hernia.
ARMA (Anti-Reflux Mucosal Ablation)
Instead of resection, the mucosa around the gastroesophageal junction is ablated (often with cautery or argon plasma coagulation).
Mechanism: Healing and fibrosis tighten the junction.
Use: Similar to ARMS but less invasive (no tissue removal).
POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy)
An endoscopic procedure to cut the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle fibers.
Primary Use: Achalasia and other esophageal motility disorders (not GERD).
Relevance: Sometimes patients develop reflux after POEM, so it’s linked in discussions of reflux management.
Treatment
- GERD
- Achalasia
- ESD → larger or early invasive mucosal lesions
- EFTR → deeper or complex lesions requiring full-thickness removal