Chinese expert consensus on radiofrequency therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease 2024
Published 25 September, 2024
Anti-reflux radiofrequency therapy is one of the earliest endoscopic treatments used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In China, it has been adopted in multiple centers and has achieved similar clinical efficacy as that reported overseas — with unique practical experience.
The 2024 Chinese consensus on RF therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease was recently published in the KeAi journal Gastroenterology & Endoscopy. From December 2022 to April 2024, the Expert Collaborative Group on Radiofrequency Therapy for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Branch of China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care brought together 26 endoscopists from 23 centers in China to summarize and standardize anti reflux radiofrequency therapy. This expert suggestion includes 9 items with 57 statements involved surgical indications, surgical contraindications, basic working conditions and preparation, preoperative preparation, preoperative CERD evaluation, surgical process and technical skills, postoperative management, treatment effectiveness, complications and prevention.
In particular, the consensus reveals that prior to treatment, a comprehensive evaluation is essential to assess the reflux burden, correlate reflux events with symptoms and to exclude conditions such as significant hiatal hernias that may not be amenable to RF therapy. Also, the technical success of RF therapy hinges on the precise and even application of energy to the lower esophagus and cardia, focusing on the region around dentate line. Furthermore, postoperative management includes short-term acid suppression, monitoring for complications, and evaluating the therapeutic outcomes.
“This consensus serves as a reference for endoscopists when conducting RF therapy, ensuring standardized and effective treatment approaches,” notes Jimin Wu, co-author and co-corresponding author of the study. “As practice evolves and RF equipment and refinement of procedural techniques advance, some aspects of the consensus may be subject to enhancement.
The researchers anticipate that with growing experience, new insights and consensus opinions will be introduced to further advance the field of anti-reflux RF therapy.
Contact author: Jimin Wu, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Email: higherife@163.com; Lianyong Li, The Ninth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Email: lilianyong001@163.com
Conflict of interest: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this Consensus.
Dr. Lianyong Li is an editor in chief for Gastroenterology & Endoscopy, and was not involved in the editorial review or the decision to publish this article. Dr Lianyong Li declares that there are no competing interests.
Dr. Jimin Wu is a member of the editorial board of Gastroenterology & Endoscopy, and was not involved in the editorial review or the decision to publish this article. Dr Jimin Wu declares that there are no competing interests.
The Article: Jimin Wu et al., Chinese expert consensus on radiofrequency therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease 2024, Gastroenterology & Endoscopy, Volume 2, Issue 3, 2024, Pages 141-148, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949752324000414
