Systemic sclerosis & Raynaud's
The role of surgery in esophageal involvement in systemic sclerosis: A systematic literature review
Authors' conclusion
Our data demonstrate that the surgical management of refractory GERD remains a challenge due to the limited evidence, which is largely of poor quality. However, the safety and beneficial effect of FP obtained in the majority of SSc patients, suggests that it may be a beneficial intervention in some patients.
Study context
- Population
- Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease who had anti-reflux surgery
- Participants
- 184 patients23 studies
- Comparison
- Different surgical approaches to fundoplication for SSc-related refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Fundoplication (FP)n = 184
- Outcome
- Effectiveness of FP in reducing GERD symptoms
Methodological detailsnarrative synthesis, PICO-based research questions, independent screening and data extraction by two reviewers, Most studies conducted in surgical settings; relevant rheumatological data largely missing
- Narrative synthesis
- PICO-based research questions
- Independent screening and data extraction by two reviewers
- Most studies conducted in surgical settings; relevant rheumatological data largely missing
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Studies in which FP was effective in reducing GERD symptoms
14
Studies with indeterminate findings
1
Studies reporting unfavourable results for FP
4
Further findings
- Refractory GERD symptoms were the most common indication for surgery
Safety
Surgical complications, mortality and morbidity
- Post-operative dysphagia was the most frequent complication
- All included studies reported a low mortality and morbidity rate related to surgery
Original publication
The role of surgery in esophageal involvement in systemic sclerosis: A systematic literature review. Semin Arthritis Rheum. Published 25 July 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →