Abstract Background Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) through placement of the LINX device is an alternative to fundoplication in the management of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess efficacy, quality of life and safety in patients that underwent MSA, with a comparison to fundoplication. Method A literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane library databases was performed for studies that reported data on outcomes of MSA, with or without a comparison group undergoing fundoplication, for GERD from January 2000 to January 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effect models and between-study Results Thirty-nine studies with 8,075 patients were included: 6,983 patients underwent MSA and 1,092 a fundoplication procedure. More individuals discontinued proton-pump inhibitors (P<0.001; WMD 0.83) and had higher rates of satisfaction (P<0.001; WMD 0.85) following MSA compared to fundoplication. Functional outcomes including ability to belch (P<0.001; WMD 0.96) and emesis (P<0.001; WMD 0.92), and bloating (P=0.003; WMD 0.20) were better after MSA than after fundoplication, although MSA had higher rates of dysphagia (P=0.001; WMD 0.41). The overall erosion and removal rate following MSA was 0.24% and 3.9% respectively, indicating no difference in re-intervention rates between MSA and fundoplication (P=0.446; WMD 0.001). Conclusion MSA is a safe and effective procedure at reducing symptom burden of GERD and can potentially improve patient satisfaction and functional outcomes. However, randomized controlled trials directly comparing MSA with fundoplication are necessary to determine where MSA precisely fits in the management pathway of GERD.
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