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Radiofrequency Energy Delivery to the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (Stretta Procedure) Does Not Provide Long-term Symptom Control
John M. Dundon*,
Steven S. Davis,
Jeffrey W. Hazey,
Vimal Narula,
Peter Muscarella,
and
William Scott Melvin
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: jmd0143{at}hotmail.com.
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Abstract |
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The Stretta procedure (radiofrequency energy application to the lower esophageal sphincter) is a unique endoluminal technique for the management of gastroesophageal reflux. This article reports on the long-term effectiveness of the Stretta procedure in patients with significant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) referred to a surgical practice. Patients who underwent Stretta with a minimum of 36 months follow-up were included. Thirty-two patients with an average follow-up of 53 months were included; 19 proceeded to anti-reflux surgery. Those not undergoing surgery showed a significant improvement in their GERD satisfaction from 3.14 to 1.46 (P = .0006) but had significantly lower preprocedure heartburn scores (2.43) than those who proceeded to surgery (3.66, P = .0401). The Stretta procedure was effective in reducing symptoms in 40% of patients. Responders had less severe preoperative heartburn. Radiofrequency energy delivery to the lower esophageal sphincter may be effective in selected patients for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux.
First published on September 30, 2008, doi:10.1177/1553350608324508
Surgical Innovation 2008;15:297.
A more recent version of this article appeared on December 1, 2008

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