Study confirms Stretta therapy as safe, effective treatment for GERD

A newly published peer-reviewed paper concludes that Stretta therapy is a safe, effective and durable treatment for gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The paper states that Stretta addresses a significant unmet need where patients receive inadequate control from PPI therapy and find surgery an undesirable option. The paper was authored by George Triadafilopoulos, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine and was published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.

Dr. Triadafilopoulos states, "Today, more than ever, clinicians will benefit from the addition of Stretta to the treatment armamentarium for their GERD patients." The comprehensive review examines the more than 35 studies published on the procedure, including a recent 10-year follow up study, and concludes that Stretta is a highly valuable middle treatment option between PPI's and surgery.

Other conclusions reached:

• Stretta treatment does not result in any tissue destruction, nor does it create scar tissue
• Symptom control is consistent among Stretta patients who were previously PPI dependent or poorly controlled by PPI
• Functional improvements occur post-Stretta, including improved acid sensitivity and decreased tissue compliance
• Stretta is "exceedingly safe, durable and reproducible"

GERD is the most frequent outpatient diagnosis in the United States. Although most patients are treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), up to 40 percent of patients have incomplete control of reflux symptoms on PPIs. Stretta is a non-surgical treatment, and involves the delivery of radiofrequency energy to the muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter and gastric cardia. Stretta doesn't alter the anatomy or implant any foreign material and does not preclude further steps with more invasive procedures if indicated. According to the author, Stretta is the least expensive alternative to medical therapy.