[Magnetic oesophageal sphincter for the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: results of a prospective clinical trial].

The authors report the preliminary results of a prospective study in 30 patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. The aim was to assess the efficacy of an-original device designed to augment the lower oesophageal sphincter barrier using magnetic force. The device was placed laparoscopically around the oesophagogastric junction, at the level of the z line identified by intraoperative endoscopy. Transient dysphagia not requiring any treatment was recorded in 45% of patients. At 3 months postoperatively, the GORD-HRQL score was fond to be significantly decreased from 24.4 to 2.2 (p < 0.001) and the DeMeester score was normalised in 80% of patients. At one year follow-up, 100% of patients were off proton pump inhibitors, and 70% of them had a normal DeMeester score. All patients preserved the ability to belch.