Valvuloplasty as Alternative to Toupet Fundoplication for the Minimal Invasive Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This is a prospective, interventional, double-blinded, monocenter randomized controlled trial comparing a laparoscopic gastroesophageal valvuloplasty to laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication in patients with proven GERD with a maximum hiatal hernia of 3cm. In this design, both patient and researcher are blinded to the treatment allocation.

Block randomization will be used to ensure an equal number in each treatment arm. Block randomization works by randomizing participants within blocks such that an equal number are assigned to each treatment. To reduce selection bias by predictability of the treatment allocation, random block sizes are used. Also the investigator is kept blind to the size of each block. A computer is used to generate 15 blocks for each participating center with random block sizes of 4, 8 and 12. Allocation proceeds by randomly selecting one of the orderings and assigning the next block of participants to study groups according to the specified sequence.

Patients will be included during a two-year period and followed for a minimum of one year. When a patient is referred to a participating surgeon for antireflux surgery, he or she will receive study information to give them sufficient time for consideration. The surgeon will ensure all required pre-operative diagnostic tests are performed and that the indication for surgery is valid. During a follow-up visit, the surgeon ascertains that the patient complies with all inclusion criteria and does not meet any of the exclusion criteria. Study participation will be discussed and after informed consent is obtained, the patient will be included in the trial.

After inclusion, the patient is immediately randomized but treatment allocation is not yet shared with the surgeon. The patient will receive validated questionnaires to record the pattern of symptoms, quality of life, medication and medical care usage. Data from the pre-operative tests will be recorded.

On the day of surgery, the surgeon will be able to see treatment allocation and after performing the appropriate surgical procedure, records the course and specifics of the surgical procedure. Patients will receive a diary to record their meals and symptoms.