Gastro-intestinal Physiology after Surgical Procedures (GASP)

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  The effect of surgical procedures (Stretta, LINX, laparoscopic fundoplication, sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass) on physiological parameters contributing to symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, at a single UK tertiary centre.

• IRAS ID

  296193

• Contact name

  Joseph Cooney

• Contact email

  joseph.cooney@nhs.net

• Sponsor organisation

  St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

• Duration of Study in the UK

  2 years, 0 months, 6 days

• Research summary

  Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) affects 1 in 4 adults and is a condition where stomach acid leaks back up into the oesophagus (gullet). It can cause an uncomfortable burning feeling in the chest and even problems such as cancer of the oesophagus. Thankfully most people feel better by changing their diet or taking medications, but for others it can be severe, and they may need to consider having surgery to tighten the internal muscles and stop acid leaking back up.

  The most common operation is the “laparoscopic fundoplication”, which is a keyhole procedure where the top of the stomach is wrapped around the lower oesophagus. Alternatively, the “LINX device” is a keyhole procedure where a magnetic bracelet is placed around the lower oesophagus. The “Stretta procedure” is a non-surgical option, where a probe is placed in the mouth to the oesophagus, where heat energy is applied to strengthen the muscles. All three procedures have been shown to be effective at helping people feel better, but less is known about how exactly they do this and not much research has been done to compare these procedures.

  In our study we would like to perform tests on our adult patients at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust before and again 6 months after their surgery (laparoscopic fundoplication, LINX device or Stretta procedure). The tests are safe and are mostly performed in routine care.

  The tests will analyse how surgery affects:
  - the strength of the oesophagus muscles
  - the amount of acid leaking up
  - how sensitive the oesophagus is to acid
  - symptoms

  This should help us better understand what changes are important to make people feel better and with this information we hope to better advise our patients in future as to which procedure they should undergo.

• REC name

  Wales REC 4

• REC reference

  21/WA/0386

• Date of REC Opinion

  14 Dec 2021

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion