Safety and Effectiveness of Reza Band in Management of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease: A Preliminary Study

Lim, Jonghyun; Yoo, Byung Joon; Lee, Dong Won; Song, Chang Myeon; Ji, Yong Bae; Tae, Kyung

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
The main treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) includes life style modification and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication. However, LPRD is sometimes refractory to PPI medication. The Reza band has been developed to exert external pressure on the upper esophageal sphincter thus preventing gastric acid reflux to the larynx and pharynx. The aim of this study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of using the Reza band in patients with LPRD.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
We prospectively enrolled 16 LPRD patients who were refractory to PPI medication and who had agreed to wear the Reza band. Patients were treated with the Reza band and PPI medication simultaneously or only the Reza band. We studied complications related to the Reza band, analyzed Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Reflux Finding Score (RFS) before and after the application of the band up to 12 weeks.
RESULTS
The Reza band was endured by 15 patients except one patient. One patient (6.25%) ceased wearing the band due to pain and discomfort in the neck. No major complications occurred, except one patient who reported mild neck discomfort when the band was applied. The mean value of RSI before the application of the Reza band was 12.31±6.43, which significantly improved at 8 weeks and 12 weeks (9.17±5.08, p=0.005 and 8.20±5.59, p=0.007, respectively) post-treatment. The mean value of RFS before the application of the Reza band was 13.50±2.97, which significantly improved at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks (p < 0.05) post-treatment.
CONCLUSION
We conclude that the Reza band is safe and effective for the treatment of LPRD in properly selected patients.