Electrical Stimulation Therapy Shows Promise for GERD Management

Recent research has revealed that a transcutaneous electrical stimulation system (TESS) can significantly alleviate symptoms and reduce esophageal acid exposure in individuals suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This finding was published in a study in the journal Neurogastroenterology & Motility.

The study, conducted by researchers at the Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva, Israel, examined the impact of TESS on patients diagnosed with GERD, specifically those exhibiting increased acid exposure time. A cohort of 26 patients was included in the analysis, all of whom underwent treatment with TESS for a duration of up to three weeks.

Results from the study indicated a noteworthy decrease in the frequency of daily heartburn and regurgitation episodes among participants. Initially, the average number of heartburn episodes per day was recorded at 2.55, which decreased to 0.77 following TESS intervention. Similarly, the average instances of regurgitation dropped from 1.40 to 0.36.

Furthermore, the study assessed the mean acid exposure time and DeMeester score--parameters crucial for gauging GERD severity. Before the TESS therapy, the mean acid exposure time was 12.4, and the DeMeester score stood at 32.1. Post-treatment, these figures improved significantly, with the acid exposure time reduced to 6.0 and the DeMeester score to 16.2.

Based on their findings, the researchers concluded that TESS appears to be a safe and effective method for minimizing esophageal acid exposure while enhancing symptoms related to heartburn and regurgitation in patients with GERD. They emphasized the need for further research to validate these initial results, noting that a larger, prospective, sham-controlled study is currently in the planning stages.

This advancement in GERD treatment could provide new hope for patients seeking alternatives to traditional therapies, which often include medication or surgical options. The utilization of TESS may offer a non-invasive and effective management strategy for individuals affected by this chronic condition.