Criteria of patient selection for magnetic sphincter augmentation

This article is an expert review of published literature with the goal of defining the ideal patient selection for Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation (MSA) in Anti-reflux Surgery (ARS). The authors performed a literature search of outcomes after MSA for different patient populations. Although MSA utilization has expanded to include patients with advanced gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obese patients, and patients with a history of bariatric surgery there is still a paucity of data to support its definitive use in these cohorts. We concluded that younger patients with mild/moderate GERD as evidenced by objective studies in conjunction with normal motility on manometry have the most favorable outcomes after MSA. MSA should be avoided in patients with allergies to nickel, titanium, stainless steel, or ferrous materials. As the utilization of MSA in ARS continues to expand and as more robust data emerges the ideal patient for this device will likely expand as well.

Automated summary

This article reviews the published literature to define the ideal patient selection for Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation (MSA) in Anti-reflux Surgery (ARS). The authors found a lack of data to support the use of MSA in patients with advanced GERD, obesity, or a history of bariatric surgery. They concluded that younger patients with mild/moderate GERD and normal motility on manometry have better outcomes after MSA. Patients with allergies to certain materials should avoid MSA. The ideal patient selection for MSA may expand as more data emerges.