Review analyzes outcomes of GERD therapy

GREENWICH – A meta-analysis of 18 published studies and a total of 1,441 patients provides a comprehensive outcome analysis of Stretta therapy for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The study was published in the August issue of Surgical Laparoscopy Endoscopy and Percutaneous Techniques.

Stretta is a minimally invasive treatment for GERD patients who do not respond well to medical management. The therapy uses low temperature radiofrequency energy to remodel tissue in the lower esophageal sphincter and gastric cardia.

“In this review, our analysis concludes that the Stretta procedure produces a significant reduction in acid exposure, as well as significant improvements in GERD symptoms, patient satisfaction, and quality of life at short and intermediate term follow-up. The data indicate that Stretta represents a viable treatment option for properly selected patients with symptomatic GERD,” said Scott Melvin, M.D., one of the study authors from the Center of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Division of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery at the Ohio State University, in Columbus, Ohio.

According to the paper, the initial literature search yielded 68 published articles on Stretta. Eighteen studies that met the common and appropriate criteria were included in the meta-analysis.

“There has been a significant amount of research done on Stretta. This meta-analysis presents a comprehensive assessment of the impressive body of data and confirms the safety of Stretta, its effectiveness in symptom relief, and a significant reduction in harmful esophageal acid exposure. Moreover, recently published studies with long term follow up have concluded that these outstanding results are durable as well,” said Will Rutan, CEO of Mederi Therapeutics, manufacturer of Stretta.