Transoral Endoscopic Clip Band Ligation Anti-Reflux Therapy (C-BLART) for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Retrospective Analysis of Efficacy and Safety in 42 Patients

Background Transoral endoscopic clip band ligation anti-reflux therapy (C-BLART) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative for managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, evidence regarding its mid-term efficacy and safety profile remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of C-BLART in patients with GERD. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 42 patients with confirmed GERD who underwent C-BLART between January 2023 and December 2024 at the Department of Gastroenterology, The Third People's Hospital of Yunnan Province. Nutritional and functional status were assessed preoperatively. Primary outcomes included changes in Reflux Disease Questionnaire (RDQ), GERD-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL), and GERD Questionnaire (GERD-Q) scores at 3, 6, and 12 months post-procedure. Secondary outcomes included clinical efficacy, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) utilization patterns, and procedure-related complications. Results All 42 patients successfully underwent C-BLART, yielding a 100% technical success rate with a mean operative time of 11.5 ± 6.8 minutes. Postoperative complications occurred in three patients (7.1%): one localized inflammatory response (2.4%) and two cases of mild dysphagia (4.8%), all of which resolved spontaneously or with conservative management. All patients completed 3- and 6-month follow-up assessments, with 41 patients (97.6%) demonstrating significant improvements in RDQ, GERD-HRQL, and GERD-Q scores compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Among the 33 patients (78.6%) who completed 12-month follow-up, therapeutic benefits were sustained (p < 0.05). Complete PPI discontinuation was achieved in 73.8% of patients at 12 months. Conclusion C-BLART demonstrates a favorable safety profile and stable mid-term efficacy in appropriately selected GERD patients, with significant symptom improvement and substantial reduction in PPI dependence. These findings support C-BLART as a valuable minimally invasive option in the therapeutic algorithm for GERD.