Endoluminal gastroplication in children with significant gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Aims: To describe paediatric experience, and to assess complications and therapeutic effectiveness of the use of endoluminal gastroplication in children with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) refractory to, or dependent on, proton pump inhibitors. Methods: Seventeen (five male) consecutive children/adolescents (median (range) age 12.4 (6.1–15.9) years, median (range) weight 46.0 (16.5–87.5) kg) with GORD either dependent for more than 12 months on proton pump inhibitors or non-responsive to medical treatment underwent endoscopic gastroplication using a flexible endoscopic sewing device (EndoCinch). Three plications were placed in gastric tissue below the lower oesophageal sphincter. Drug dose requirement, pH measurements, daily symptom severity and frequency, and validated reflux (QOLRAD) and general gastrointestinal (GSRS) quality of life scores were compared before and after endoscopic gastroplication. Results: All patients showed post-treatment improvement in symptom severity, frequency, and quality of life scores (p