How Does Stretta Treat GERD?

Stretta is the only widely studied minimally invasive treatment option for GERD – and has been proven safe and effective in more than 33 clinical studies and 20,000 procedures. Patients experience significant and lasting symptom relief from 4-10 years.

Stretta therapy is a minimally invasive, endoscopic procedure that significantly reduces GERD symptoms, allowing patients to eliminate or significantly decrease the use of medicines (Proton-pump inhibitors). Stretta is performed in less than 60 minutes, allowing patients to return to normal activities the following day.

How does Stretta work?

The Stretta system delivers a low level of radiofrequency energy to the lower oesophagal muscles, which results in improved valve barrier function and decreases the reflux that causes GERD symptoms.

Stretta Procedure, easy like 123…:

-The procedure is done under deep sedation in a day case setting. The patient will be fasting for the last 8 hours.

-The procedure start as formal gastroscopy procedure which is done by inserting the scope via mouth. The gastroenterologist inspects the defect at the junction of the oesophagus and stomach and assesses the damage to the superficial inside layer of the lower end of the oesophagus to see if there is any contraindication (like hiatus hernia of more than 2 cm or bleeding) for the Stretta treatment before he carries on with the procedure.

-The next step is to insert the radiofrequency probe into the treatment area, adjust the radiofrequency required dose in the most desirable area and apply the dose under direct vision, and observe the shrinkage of the junction between the esophagus and the stomach.

-The radiofrequency energy is applied to the muscular layer rather to the lining tissue to be able to obtain the desirable result of the application to increase the tone of these muscles.

-It is very important to observe any bleeding or any very unlikely adverse event during the procedure and resolve it on the spot.

-Post procedure, the patient will feel mild pain which is controlled on simple painkillers for the next 2 days and most of the patients feel no more procedure-related pain thereafter.

Is “Stretta” your treatment option?

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