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Triadafilopoulos G. Endoscopic Non-ablative Radiofrequency Treatment (Stretta) for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2024; 26:93-98. [PMID: 38393432 DOI: 10.1007/s11894-024-00917-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is very common in the general population and poses a large societal socio-economic burden. In this article, we review the evidence supporting non-ablative radiofrequency treatment (Stretta) for the endoscopic management of GERD and we compare it to pharmacologic and other minimally invasive and surgical interventions. RECENT FINDINGS Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are a key therapy for GERD. For patients without associated significant sliding hiatal hernia, who have inadequate relief of their reflux symptoms, Stretta and other endoscopic therapies, such as transoral fundoplication (TIF), may improve symptoms and GERD-related quality of life. Unfortunately, there are no recent large randomized controlled trials, and most of the evidence is based on meta-analyses and small scale, prospective and retrospective single center efforts. Comparisons of Stretta efficacy to other anti-reflux endoscopic modalities and anti-reflux surgery (ARS) are also presented. There are several endoscopic and minimally invasive modalities to manage PPI-refractory GERD acting through various mechanisms that have been found effective in managing GERD symptoms and quality of life. Among them, Stretta has the longest track record of efficacy and safety. Larger-scale and longer-term comparative efficacy trials in selected populations of patients with acid reflux with and without hiatal hernia will be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Triadafilopoulos
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 100 Fellowship Drive, Conroe, TX, 77384, USA.
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Shi C, ZhuoMa G, Ying L, Zhang Z, Cui L, Li R, Zhang J. Efficacy and safety of endoscopic cardia peripheral tissue scar formation (ECSF) for the treatment of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37062. [PMID: 38457552 PMCID: PMC10919480 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endoscopic treatment is increasingly used for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (rGERD). Unlike the mechanism of conventional surgical fundoplication, gastroesophageal junction ligation, anti-reflux mucosal intervention, and radiofrequency ablation have extremely similar anti-reflux mechanisms; hence, we collectively refer to them as endoscopic cardia peripheral tissue scar formation (ECSF). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of ECSF in treating rGERD. METHODS We performed a comprehensive search of several databases, including PubMed, Embase, Medline, China Knowledge Network, and Wanfang, to ensure a systematic approach for data collection between January 2011 and July 2023. Forest plots were used to summarize and combine the GERD-health-related quality of life (HRQL), gastroesophageal reflux questionnaire score, and DeMeester scores, acid exposure time, lower esophageal sphincter pressure, esophagitis, proton pump inhibitors use, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS This study comprised 37 studies, including 1732 patients. After ECSF, significant improvement in gastroesophageal reflux disease health-related quality of life score (mean difference [MD] = 18.27 95% CI: 14.81-21.74), gastroesophageal reflux questionnaire score (MD = 4.85 95% CI: 3.96-5.75), DeMeester score (MD = 42.34, 95% CI: 31.37-53.30), acid exposure time (MD = 7.98, 95% CI: 6.03-9.92), and lower esophageal sphincter pressure was observed (MD = -5.01, 95% CI: -8.39 to 1.62). The incidence of serious adverse effects after ECSF was 1.1% (95% CI: 0.9%-1.2%), and postoperatively, 67.4% (95% CI: 66.4%-68.2%) of patients could discontinue proton pump inhibitor-like drugs, and the treatment outcome was observed to be satisfactory in over 80% of the patients. Subgroup analyses of the various procedures showed that all 3 types improved several objective or subjective patient indicators. CONCLUSIONS Based on the current meta-analysis, we conclude that rGERD can be safely and effectively treated with ECSF as an endoscopic procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyi Shi
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - GeSang ZhuoMa
- Center for General Practice Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lina Ying
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Graduate School of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Liyang Cui
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruifang Li
- Center for General Practice Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Joel A, Konjengbam A, Viswanath Y, Kourounis G, Hammond E, Frank H, Kuttuva S, Mbarushimana S, Hidayat H, Thulasiraman S. Endoscopic radiofrequency Stretta therapy reduces proton pump inhibitor dependency and the need for anti-reflux surgery for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease. Clin Endosc 2024; 57:58-64. [PMID: 37157958 PMCID: PMC10834287 DOI: 10.5946/ce.2023.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Radiofrequency treatment of the gastroesophageal junction using the Stretta procedure for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is observed to improve the symptoms and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) dependence and reduce the need for anti-reflux operations. As one of the largest studies in Europe, we evaluated the clinical outcomes of Stretta in patients with medically refractory GERD. METHODS A tertiary UK center evaluated all patients with refractory GERD who underwent Stretta between 2014 and 2022. Patients and primary care professionals were contacted to obtain information regarding the initiation of PPI and reintervention after Stretta. RESULTS Of the 195 patients (median age, 55 years; 116 women [59.5%]) who underwent Stretta, PPI-free period (PFP) data were available for 144 (73.8%) patients. Overall, 66 patients (45.8%) did not receive PPI after a median follow-up of 55 months. Six patients (3.1%) underwent further interventions. The median PFP after Stretta was 41 months. There was a significant negative correlation between PFP and age (p=0.007), with no differences between sexes (p=0.96). Patients younger than 55 years of age had a longer PFP than their older counterparts (p=0.005). Younger males had a significantly longer PFP than older males (p=0.021). However, this was not observed in the female cohort (p=0.09) or between the younger men and women (p=0.66). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that Stretta is a safe and feasible option for treating refractory GERD, especially in younger patients. It prevents further anti-reflux interventions in most patients and increases the lead-time to surgery in patients with refractory GERD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Joel
- Department of General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Cleveland, UK
| | - Alakh Konjengbam
- Department of General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Cleveland, UK
| | - Yirupaiahgari Viswanath
- Department of General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Cleveland, UK
| | - Georgios Kourounis
- Department of General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Cleveland, UK
| | - Emily Hammond
- Department of General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Cleveland, UK
| | - Helen Frank
- Department of General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Cleveland, UK
| | - Shivani Kuttuva
- Department of General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Cleveland, UK
| | - Simon Mbarushimana
- Department of General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Cleveland, UK
| | - Hena Hidayat
- Department of General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Cleveland, UK
| | - Srivishnu Thulasiraman
- Department of General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Cleveland, UK
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Bortolotti M. Is patient satisfaction sufficient to validate endoscopic anti-reflux treatments? World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:3743-3746. [PMID: 36161053 PMCID: PMC9372810 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i28.3743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Endoscopic anti-reflux treatment is emerging as a new option for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment in patients with the same indications as for laparoscopic fundoplication. There are many techniques, the first of which are transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) and nonablative radio-frequency (STRETTA) that have been tested with comparative studies and randomized controlled trials, whereas the other more recent ones still require a deeper evaluation. The purpose of the latter is to verify whether reflux is abolished or significantly reduced after intervention, whether there is a valid high pressure zone at the gastroesophageal junction, and whether esophagitis, when present, has disappeared. Unfortunately in a certain number of cases, and especially in the more recently introduced ones, the evaluation has been based almost exclusively on subjective criteria, such as improvement in the quality of life, remission of heartburn and regurgitation, and reduction or suspension of antacid and antisecretory drug consumption. However, with the most studied techniques such as TIF and STRETTA, an improvement in symptoms better than that of laparoscopic fundoplication can often be observed, whereas the number of acid episodes and acid exposure time are similar or higher, as if the acid refluxes are better tolerated by these patients. The suspicion of a local hyposensitivity taking place after anti-reflux endoscopic intervention seems confirmed by a Bernstein test at least for STRETTA. This examination should be done for all the other techniques, both old and new, to identify the ones that reassure rather than cure. In conclusion, the evaluation of the effectiveness of the endoscopic anti-reflux techniques should not be based exclusively on subjective criteria, but should also be confirmed by objective examinations, because there might be a gap between the improvement in symptoms declared by the patient and the underlying pathophysiologic alterations of GERD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Bortolotti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, S. Orsola-Malpighi Polyclinic, University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy
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Sui X, Gao X, Zhang L, Zhang B, Zhong C, Chen Y, Wang X, Li D, Wu W, Li L. Clinical efficacy of endoscopic antireflux mucosectomy vs. Stretta radiofrequency in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a retrospective, single-center cohort study. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:660. [PMID: 35845516 PMCID: PMC9279761 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-2071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Currently, antireflux mucosectomy (ARMS) and Stretta radiofrequency (SRF) are the most commonly used minimally invasive antireflux therapies. To date, there have not been any reports comparing ARMS and SRF. Our aim was to compare the clinical efficacies of these two therapeutic methods. Methods We analyzed data from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients, including 39 who received ARMS treatment and 30 who received SRF treatment between January 2020 and May 2021. Symptom control, gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GERDQ) score, gastroesophageal reflux disease health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) score, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) withdrawal, and PPI reduction were analyzed and compared. Results After 6 months of follow-up, the results showed that both therapies were effective in improving symptoms and quality of life. No difference was found between the ARMS group and SRF group in GERDQ score, GERD-HRQL score, PPI withdrawal rate, or PPI reduction rate (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the PPI withdrawal rate between the two therapies among patients with gastroesophageal flap valve (GEFV) grade II and grade III (P>0.05), but the PPI withdrawal rate in the ARMS group was significantly higher than that in the SRF group among patients with GEFV grade IV (P<0.05). Conclusions The clinical efficacies of ARMS and SRF 6 months postoperation were equivalent. The results showed that both ARMS and SRF treatment were acceptable for patients with GEFV grades II and III, while ARMS should be selected for patients with GEFV grade IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinke Sui
- Department of Gastroenterology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaopei Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Changqing Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Dou Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
| | - Lianyong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center, Beijing, China
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Chen S, Du F, Zhong C, Liu C, Wang X, Chen Y, Wang G, Gao X, Zhang L, Li L, Wu W. Gastroesophageal reflux disease: recent innovations in endoscopic assessment and treatment. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2021; 9:383-391. [PMID: 34733523 PMCID: PMC8560030 DOI: 10.1093/gastro/goab029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Innovations in endoscopy have brought about some impressive improvements in diagnosing and treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD, as one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorders in the world, has always been on the cutting edge of endoscopic interventions. A primary diagnosis of GERD is based on symptoms and an initial trial of proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, which is devoid of adequately instructive value for therapeutic strategies. Endoscopy and optional biopsies can be used to directly observe and determine the abnormal structural and pathophysiological damage in the esophagus. The emergence of minimally invasive endoscopic therapy fills the gap between patients who are reluctant or insensitive to PPIs and candidates who are not indicated for surgical anti-reflux fundoplication. In this review, we discuss the utility of endoscopy and biopsy in patients with persistent GERD-related manifestations after proper medical anti-reflux treatment. Moreover, we portray a landscape of four current endoscopic GERD therapies and clarify the merits and disadvantages of each technique. Future research needs to concentrate on stratifying GERD patients based on personal conditions and elucidating the primary pathophysiology of GERD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P. R. China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Sense Organ Stress and Health, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Feng Du
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P. R. China
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Hospital of the People's Liberation Army 63650 Corps, Malan, Xinjiang, P. R. China
| | - Changqing Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Caifang Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Gang Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Sense Organ Stress and Health, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P. R. China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiaopei Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Lianyong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Sense Organ Stress and Health, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P. R. China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, PLA Strategic Support Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P. R. China
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Nevins EJ, Dixon JE, Viswanath YKS. The Outcome of Endoscopic Radiofrequency Anti-Reflux Therapy (STRETTA) for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Patients with Previous Gastric Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study. Clin Endosc 2021; 54:542-547. [PMID: 33761229 PMCID: PMC8357598 DOI: 10.5946/ce.2020.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims STRETTA improves the quality of life and reduces the need for anti-reflux medication in select patients, especially those with uncomplicated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We aimed to review the outcomes of STRETTA in patients with medically refractory GERD, who had undergone previous gastric surgery.
Methods This was a review of a prospective database in a British center. Since 2016, all GERD patients who underwent STRETTA and had a history of previous gastric surgery were studied (n=11). Anti-reflux medication pre- and post-STRETTA was evaluated. The outcomes were assessed objectively by the change in anti-reflux medication and subjectively through a pre- and post-procedure GERD-health-related quality of life (HRQL) questionnaire.
Results The median length of follow-up was 23 months. Nine patients demonstrated improved GERD-HRQL scores following STRETTA (82%). Of the 7 patients who underwent fundoplication, all reported improved symptoms, with 3 patients discontinuing the medication and 3 patients on a reduced dose of proton pump inhibitor. Four patients underwent surgery other than fundoplication, of which 2 reported improvement and discontinued the proton pump inhibitor. Two patients reported no improvement.
Conclusions This study demonstrates that STRETTA is successful in reducing refractory GERD in patients with previous gastric surgery. The outcomes were comparable to published outcomes in patients with uncomplicated GERD with no previous history of gastric surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward John Nevins
- Department of Upper GI surgery, James Cook University Hospital, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - James Edward Dixon
- Department of Upper GI surgery, James Cook University Hospital, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough, UK
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Dumitru V, Hoara P, Dumitru D, Birla R, Gindea C, Constantinoiu S. Invasive Treatment Options for Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease. J Med Life 2021; 13:442-448. [PMID: 33456589 PMCID: PMC7803320 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2020-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Reflux disease continues to be one of the most common pathologies in the world. There is much discussion regarding the mechanism of developing and the variety of possible symptoms. In recent years, the use of new technologies, like high-resolution manometry and pH impedance, brought new insights into this disease. Also, there are emerging therapies that are covering the gap between the patients treated with proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy and those who benefit the most from laparoscopic treatment (hiatal hernia, complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Also, most of them are less invasive than a laparoscopic fundoplication. We present a short review of the treatment options in patients who need more than lifestyle changes and PPI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlad Dumitru
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,General and Esophageal Surgery Clinic, "Sf Maria" Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Petre Hoara
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,General and Esophageal Surgery Clinic, "Sf Maria" Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Dumitru
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,General and Esophageal Surgery Clinic, "Sf Maria" Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Rodica Birla
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,General and Esophageal Surgery Clinic, "Sf Maria" Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Gindea
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,General and Esophageal Surgery Clinic, "Sf Maria" Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Silviu Constantinoiu
- "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,General and Esophageal Surgery Clinic, "Sf Maria" Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
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