Electrical stimulation of the lower oesophageal sphincter for treating gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Evidence-based recommendations on electrical stimulation of the lower oesophageal sphincter for treating gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

# Recommendations
Current evidence on the safety and efficacy of electrical stimulation of the lower oesophageal sphincter for treating gastrooesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is limited in quantity and quality. Therefore, this procedure should only be used in the context of research.
NICE encourages clinicians to enter patients into controlled clinical trials. These could include crossover and cohort studies, which would allow inclusion of patients for whom other surgical options are unsuitable. These should provide a clear description of patient selection, and details of adjunctive medical and surgical treatments. Outcomes should include GORD symptoms, quality of life and objective measurements of gastric reflux. Efficacy, device durability, the need for surgical treatment for GORD in the longer term (at least 2 years) and all complications should be reported. NICE may update the guidance on publication of further evidence.# Indications and current treatments
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common problem. It is caused by several conditions that disturb the sphincter function at the lower end of the oesophagus, such as hiatus hernia. Symptoms of GORD can be broadly grouped into those directly related to reflux episodes, such as heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain and nausea, and those symptoms caused by complications of reflux disease, including dysphagia and respiratory difficulties. Repeated episodes of GORD can damage the lining of the oesophagus and lead to oesophageal ulceration, oesophageal stricture and Barrett's oesophagus.
The standard treatments for patients with symptomatic GORD are lifestyle modification and drug therapy. Patients who have refractory symptoms, who develop complications despite medication or who develop intolerance to medication may be considered for antireflux surgery (usually laparoscopic fundoplication). Several endoscopic techniques (such as endoscopic radiofrequency ablation or endoscopic injection of bulking agents) have also been used.# The procedure
Electrical stimulation of the lower oesophageal sphincter aims to strengthen a weak or improperly functioning lower oesophageal sphincter muscle, to restore the antireflux barrier between the stomach and oesophagus, by using low energy electrical impulses.
With the patient under general anaesthesia, 2 electrodes and a lead are implanted into the sphincter muscle using a laparoscope under endoscopic guidance. The lead is passed through the abdominal wall and is secured to a stimulator, which is implanted in a subcutaneous pocket in the abdominal wall.
The stimulator automatically delivers impulses of about 3 mA to 8 mA to the electrodes in repeated 30minute sessions. The patient does not feel the stimulation. The stimulator is programmed and controlled wirelessly to adapt it to specific patient needs (for example, related to diet and lifestyle).# Efficacy
This section describes efficacy outcomes from the published literature that the Committee considered as part of the evidence about this procedure. For more detailed information on the evidence, see the interventional procedure overview.
A case series of 44 patients with gastrooesophageal reflux disease (GORD) treated by electrostimulation of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) reported median (interquartile range; IQR) percentages of days with heartburn of 86% (64100%, n=35) before the procedure and 17% (093%, n=34) at 6 months (p<0.0001). Median (IQR) percentages of nights with heartburn were 64% (4386%, n=35) before the procedure and 0% (08%, n=34) at 6 months (p<0.0001). The evaluations used a symptom diary kept by the patients. A case series of 25 patients with GORD treated by electrostimulation of the LOS, with a 2year followup, reported median percentages of days and nights with heartburn at 'baseline off proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)' (defined as 10 days after the patients had started electrostimulation and had stopped taking PPIs) and at followup. Median percentages of days with heartburn were 92% at 'baseline off PPIs', 14% at 6 months, 13% at 12 months and 7% at 24 months (p<0.001 for all times versus 'baseline off PPIs'). Median percentages of nights with heartburn were 71% at 'baseline off PPIs', and 0% at 6, 12 and 24 months (p<0.001 for all times versus 'baseline off PPIs').
The case series of 44 patients reported median (IQR) percentages of days with regurgitation of 79% (54100%, n=35) before the procedure and 0% (021%, n=34) at 6 months (p<0.0001). Median (IQR) percentages of nights with regurgitation were 50% (1579%, n=35) before the procedure and 0% (07%, n=34) at 6 months (p<0.0001). The case series of 25 patients reported median percentages of days with symptoms of regurgitation of 66% at 'baseline off PPIs', and 0% at 6, 12 and 24 months (p<0.001 for all times versus 'baseline off PPIs'). Median percentages of nights with regurgitation were 31% at 'baseline off PPIs', and 0% at 6, 12 and 24 months (p<0.01 for all times versus 'baseline off PPIs').
The case series of 25 patients reported dysphagia caused by GORD in 38% (9/24) of patients at 'baseline on PPIs' and in 71% (17/24) at 'baseline off PPIs'. Dysphagia was reported in 13% (n=23) of patients at 12month followup, and in 5% (1/21) at 24month followup (level of significance not stated).
The case series of 44 patients reported median gastrooesophageal reflux disease healthrelated quality of life (GORDHRQL) scores (IQR) at baseline of 16.5 (9.022.8) when patients (n=42) were still taking PPIs and of 31.0 (26.236.8) when patients (n=42) had stopped taking PPIs. The scores improved significantly to 5.0 (3.09.0) at 6 months, (n=41, p<0.0001 for the comparison against 'baseline on PPI' and 'baseline off PPI' scores). The case series of 25 patients reported median GORDHRQL scores (IQR) at baseline of 9.0 (6.010.0) when patients (n=24) were still taking PPIs, and of 23.5 (21.025.8) when patients (n=24) had stopped taking PPIs. The scores improved significantly to 2.0 at 12 months (IQR and number of patients not given) and to 0 (03.0) at 24 months (n=21; p0.002 versus 'baseline on PPI' and 'baseline off PPI' scores at 12- and 24month followup respectively). A publication reporting on 15 patients from the case series of 25 patients with GORD treated by electrostimulation of the LOS after 3 years of followup, reported median GORDHRQL scores (IQR) at baseline of 9.0 (6.010.0) when patients were still taking PPIs and of 23.5 (21.025.0) when patients had stopped taking PPIs. The scores improved significantly to 1.0 (0.02.0) at 3 years (p<0.001).
In the case series of 44 patients, 74% (31/42) of patients reported dissatisfaction with GORD control at 'baseline on PPIs' and 21% (8/39) reported it 6 months after the procedure. In the case series of 25 patients, 71% (17/24) of patients reported dissatisfaction with GORD control at 'baseline on PPIs' and 92% (22/24) reported dissatisfaction at 'baseline off PPIs'. At 24month followup, dissatisfaction was reported in none (0/21) of the patients (p<0.001 for both groups of patients).
The case series of 25 patients reported that GORD had an impact on their sleep in 71% (17/24) of patients at 'baseline on PPIs' and in 96% (23/24) of patients at 'baseline off PPIs'. At 12month followup, GORD was reported to have an impact on their sleep by 17% of patients (n=23, absolute numbers not given) and, at 24month followup, by 10% (2/21) of patients.
The case series of 44 patients reported that the median (IQR) percentages of the 24hour period for which there was a distal oesophageal pH of less than 4 was 10% (813%, n=42) before the procedure compared against 4% (27%, n=40) after 6 months (p<0.0001). The case series of 25 patients reported that the median percentage of the 24hour period for which there was a distal oesophageal pH of less than 4 was 10% (IQR 813%) at baseline (n=24; defined for this measure as at least 5 days after the patients had started electrostimulation and had stopped taking PPIs) compared against 5% (37%) at 24 months (n=18; p=0.001 versus baseline). At baseline, 96% (23/24) of patients had an abnormal distal oesophageal pH (less than 4 for more than 4% of a 24hour recording) and, at 24 months, 61% (11/18) had an abnormal pH. The publication reporting on 15 patients from the case series of 25 patients with a 3year followup reported that the median (IQR) percentages of the 24hour period for which there was a distal oesophageal pH of less than 4 was 10% (812%) at baseline compared against 3% (25%) at 3 years (p<0.001 for the comparison against baseline scores).
In the case series of 44 patients, 90% (37/41) of patients were completely off PPI, 5% (2/41) reported intermittent use of PPIs and 7% (3/41) reported regular use of PPIs at 6 months (p<0.001). In the case series of 25 patients, all patients still included in the study (24/24) were taking PPIs for GORD after implantation. At 24 months, 76% (16/21) of patients were not taking any PPIs, 14% (3/21) reported occasional PPI use and 10% (2/21) reported regular PPI use. The publication reporting on 15 patients from the case series of 25 patients with a 3year followup reported that 73% of patients were free from PPI dependence (defined as 50% or more diary days with PPI use) at 3 years.
The case series of 44 patients reported that, at baseline, 41% (16/39) of patients had no oesophagitis, 31% (12/39) had Los Angeles classification (LA) grade A oesophagitis (grades A to D range from less severe to more severe oesophagitis assessed by endoscopy), 23% (9/39) had LA grade B oesophagitis and 5% (2/39) had LA grade C oesophagitis. At 6 months, 51% (20/39) of patients had no oesophagitis, 31% (12/39) had LA grade A, 18% (7/39) had LA grade B and none (0/39) had LA grade C oesophagitis (p=0.02 for the improvement in oesophagitis grade at 6 months). A publication about the case series of 25 patients with GORD treated by electrostimulation of the LOS after only 1 year of followup reported that, at baseline (within 6 months before enrolment), 67% (16/24) of patients had LA grade A oesophagitis, 25% (6/24) had LA grade B and 8% (2/24) had LA grade C oesophagitis. At 12 months, 31% (7/23) of patients had no oesophagitis, 52% (12/23) had LA grade A, 13% (3/23) had LA grade B and 4% (1/23) had LA grade C oesophagitis (p=0.01). Oesophagitis had improved by at least 1 grade in 58% (14/24) of patients at 3 months and in 57% (13/23) of patients at 12 months compared against baseline. The publication reporting on 15 patients from the case series of 25 patients with a 3year followup reported that 50% (6/12) of the patients who had an endoscopy at 3 years showed an improvement in their oesophagitis by more than 1 grade.
The specialist advisers listed the following key efficacy outcomes: reduction in symptoms of acid reflux, elimination (remission) of preoperative GORDrelated symptoms assessed by GORDHRQL questionnaire, subjective and objective maintenance of remission, healing of any preoperatively noted oesophagitis (assessed according to LA grading), improved 24hour ambulatory pH studies, and lack of side effects such as dysphagia, bloating, fullness, increased wind and abdominal pain.# Safety
This section describes safety outcomes from the published literature that the Committee considered as part of the evidence about this procedure. For more detailed information on the evidence, see the interventional procedure overview.
Trocar perforation of the small bowel during laparoscopy was reported in 1 patient in a cases series of 44 patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) treated by electrostimulation of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS). This was repaired and the device was removed to avoid the possibility of subsequent complications.
Pain or discomfort was reported on 24 occasions in 46% (19/41) of patients in the case series of 44 patients; the adverse events were reported as related to the procedure (no details on timing given). Pain or discomfort in the abdomen was reported on 6 occasions in 6 patients in a case series of 25 patients with GORD treated by electrostimulation of the LOS with a 2year followup; the adverse events were reported as related to the device (no details on timing given). In addition, 1 patient had transient discomfort in the shoulder. Epigastric pain was reported once in 1 patient in the case series of 44 patients; the adverse event was reported as related to the procedure (no details on timing given).
Mild or moderate dysphagia related to the procedure was reported on 5 occasions in 10% (4/41) of patients in the case series of 44 patients; it resolved without intervention. It was reported that crural repair was done in all 4 patients during device implantation (no details on timing given).
Nausea or vomiting was reported on 4 occasions in 7% (3/41) of patients in the case series of 44 patients; the adverse events were reported as related to the procedure (no details on timing given). Nausea or vomiting on the day or the day after the procedure was reported on 3 occasions in 3 patients in the case series of 25 patients with 2year followup.
Weight loss or anorexia was reported on 5 occasions in 12% (5/41) of patients in the case series of 44 patients; the adverse events were reported as related to the procedure (no details on timing given).
Fever was reported once in 1 patient in the case series of 44 patients; the adverse event was reported as related to the procedure (no details on timing given).
Superficial skin infection at the abdominal wall pocket site was reported in 1 patient in the case series of 25 patients.
Mesh repair hernia cicatricalis was reported once in 1 patient in the case series of 44 patients; the adverse event was reported as related to the procedure (no details on timing given).
Lead erosion was reported in 1 patient at the 6month endoscopy in the case series of 44 patients. The device was removed and the patient was treated by fundoplication during the same procedure. Outofrange impedance was reported on 2 occasions in 5% (2/41) of patients in the case series of 44 patients; the adverse events were reported as related to the procedure (no details on timing given).
In addition to safety outcomes reported in the literature, specialist advisers are asked about anecdotal adverse events (events which they have heard about) and about theoretical adverse events (events which they think might possibly occur, even if they have never done so). For this procedure, specialist advisers listed the following anecdotal adverse events: deep vein thrombosis and chest infection. They considered that the following were theoretical adverse events: all laparoscopicsurgeryrelated adverse events, including port insertion vascular/visceral bleeding events; pneumoperitoneumrelated cardiopulmonary complications; oesophageal injury (perforation); device malfunction/failure; and lead migration.# Further information
For related NICE guidance, see the NICE website.

# Information for patients
NICE has produced information on this procedure for patients and carers (information for the public). It explains the nature of the procedure and the guidance issued by NICE, and has been written with patient consent in mind.# About this guidance
NICE interventional procedures guidance makes recommendations on the safety and efficacy of the procedure. It does not cover whether or not the NHS should fund a procedure. Funding decisions are taken by local NHS bodies after considering the clinical effectiveness of the procedure and whether it represents value for money for the NHS.
This guidance was developed using the NICE interventional procedures guidance process.
We have produced information for the public explaining this guidance. Information about the evidence the guidance is based on is also available.
NICE produces guidance, standards and information on commissioning and providing highquality healthcare, social care, and public health services. We have agreements to provide certain NICE services to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Decisions on how NICE guidance and other products apply in those countries are made by ministers in the Welsh government, Scottish government, and Northern Ireland Executive. NICE guidance or other products may include references to organisations or people responsible for commissioning or providing care that may be relevant only to England.
Your responsibility
    This guidance represents the views of NICE and was arrived at after careful consideration of the available evidence. Healthcare professionals are expected to take it fully into account when exercising their clinical judgement. This guidance does not, however, override the individual responsibility of healthcare professionals to make appropriate decisions in the circumstances of the individual patient, in consultation with the patient and/or guardian or carer.
Implementation of this guidance is the responsibility of local commissioners and/or providers. Commissioners and providers are reminded that it is their responsibility to implement the guidance, in their local context, in light of their duties to have due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations. Nothing in this guidance should be interpreted in a way that would be inconsistent with compliance with those duties.
Copyright
     National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 2015. All rights reserved. NICE copyright material can be downloaded for private research and study, and may be reproduced for educational and notforprofit purposes. No reproduction by or for commercial organisations, or for commercial purposes, is allowed without the written permission of NICE.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-1597-2