NICE publish evidence-based recommendations that could result in more patients benefiting from gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) treatment

ethicon logo

NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) released updated recommendations that indicate the safety and efficacy of a laparoscopic insertion of a magnetic ring for Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is adequate to support this procedure for suitable patients, provided that standard arrangements are in place for clinical governance, consent and audit. 

This Interventional Procedures Guidance (IPG) is the most positive form of evidence to date, and means now there is enough evidence for doctors to consider this procedure as a treatment option for GORD patients, replacing the existing IPG, where NICE had previously stated the evidence was insufficient  

This is a huge win for patients - GORD is a common condition in which acid from the stomach flows back up into the oesophagus. It is usually caused by the sphincter at the lower end of the oesophagus becoming weakened. Symptoms can include heartburn, regurgitation, 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.  

Read the guidelines updated in full here: 

NICE INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURES GUIDANCE: Laparoscopic insertion of a magnetic ring for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (Jan 2023)