Who Has Had Endocinch?

Diseases & Conditions GERD & Acid Reflux
1
Seems like not a lot of people on this forum have had the above procedure, which sounds great to me.  I can't have the surgery.  True, a mojity of patients go back to meds w/in 6 yrs, but the same is true for the Nissen.  If you've had it done, I'd love to hear about your experience and its effectiveness.
 
Best,
Laura
2

Laura,

What is this procedure exactly?

Pat

3
Yeah, I dont know what procedures you are talking about either.  Id like to know more about them too!
 
Nancy
4
There are three procedures that are done endoscopically to improve GERD: Stretta, NDO Plicator, and Endocinch.  The first involves transmitting (I believe) some sort of radiofrequency waves to "burn" (not as painful as it sounds) the LES.  The scar tissue created causes the LES to tighten.  Endocinch and Plicator involve stitching or making pleats in the LES to tighten it.  Endocinch is the method that has been around the longest.  Some GI docs say Stretta is questionable b/c it may damage the nerves in the area.  Especially for people like me who cannot have the Nissen fundoplication, these three options provide some interesting possibilities.  There's another procedure called Gatekeeper that's not yet approved in the U.S.  It involves inserting capsules or something similar below the tissue of the LES.  If you're interested, you may want to do a websearch for more info.
 
Cheers,
Laura
5

Interesting Laura.  Do they know the success rates with endocinch?  I will bring it up to my GI dr next week.

 

Nancy

6

Success rate is pretty good, Nancy.  As I stated in another post, a lot of people do return to H2's or PPI's in 6-10 years, but the same is true for the Nissen fundoplication.  I'd rather reduce the acid reflux and take the chance of having to go on limited meds than continue as is.  I know someone who suffered from GERD for a long time w/o any relief from the meds.  She had Endocinch almost 4 yrs ago and only needs to take Tagament when she anticipates trigger food.  That's a good enough endorsement for me.

I wish I had the numbers.  Please check out the Endocinch website for figures (you can do a websearch).  If you bring it up with your GI doc, be prepared to perhaps meet with some opposition.  There are two schools of thought on the matter of endoscopic treatments.  Some GI docs will say, "There's not enough long term study of the results.  It's not yet considered a credible treatment."  Well, as for me, having a surgery that leaves scars and probably will eliminate the ability to vomit and/or burp doesn't sound so hot.  As I said, I can't have the surgery anyway.  Let me know how your GI guy responds.

Laura

7

By the way, the Endocinch procedure is reversible if necessary.

Laura