“The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has issued new Guidelines that cite Stretta as a viable treatment option for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
According to the Guidelines, Stretta was seen as safe, effective and durable, specifically stating: “Adverse events were infrequent and typically minor. The technique appears to durably relieve GERD symptoms for up to 10 years in the majority of patients.” The document was prepared by the ASGE Standards of Practice Committee, approved by the ASGE Governing Board, and published in the June issue of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Stretta is a minimally-invasive endoscopic treatment that delivers non-ablative radiofrequency (RF) energy to improve and restore the function of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, thereby improving symptoms of GERD.
“The recent ASGE guideline regarding the role of endoscopy in treating GERD highlights the safety, efficacy, and durability of Stretta,” said Robert D. Fanelli, MD, MHA, Chief of Minimally Invasive Surgery and Surgical Endoscopy for The Guthrie Clinic and a member of both the ASGE Standards of Practice Committee and the SAGES Guidelines Committee. “This guideline, in concert with the previously published SAGES Clinical Spotlight Review on endoluminal reflux therapy, demonstrates support for Stretta as a treatment option for appropriately selected patients with GERD, based on rigorous reviews of the literature.”
The ASGE guidelines also state, “This technique uses RF energy delivery to the distal esophagus and appears to reduce GERD by decreasing tissue compliance and reducing transient lower esophageal relaxations.” In summary, the guideline suggests that endoscopic antireflux therapy may be considered for select GERD patients.
GERD is the most frequent outpatient GI diagnosis in the U.S. Although most patients are treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), approximately 30 percent have incomplete control of symptoms on PPIs.
GERD is also a risk factor for esophageal cancer which is considered one of the fastest and deadliest cancers in the United States and western world.
Will Rutan, CEO of Mederi Therapeutics, the maker of Stretta said, “With recent studies highlighting potential issues with long-term PPI use, the timing is right for Stretta. Doctors who offer Stretta are positioned to make a difference in the quality of life of their patient by broadening treatment options for those in their care.”
Stretta Therapy is non-surgical treatment option for GERD patients who do not respond well to medications and wish to avoid surgery. Stretta has been the subject of more than 37 studies, all showing a high level of safety and efficacy.
Stretta can be an ideal option for patients whose symptoms are inadequately controlled by drug therapy or choose to avoid surgery. Unlike surgery, Stretta doesn’t alter the anatomy, so it provides a versatile treatment option that doesn’t complicate any future surgery, and can also be utilized in patients who already have had previous anti-reflux or bariatric procedures, and experience recurring GERD.”
For more information, please visit stretta-therapy.com.
This post is based on materials provided by Stretta Therapy.
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