Newly Published Case Series: Stretta as a Treatment Option for GERD in the Bariatric Patient

          Mederi Therapeutics Inc., manufacturers of Stretta Therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), announced the publication of a case series demonstrating the viability of Stretta Therapy as a treatment for chronic GERD after a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). It was published in the November issue of Bariatric Times, a peer-reviewed publication .
         

          The article, "A Case Series of GERD in the Bariatric Patient: Stretta Therapy as a Treatment Option," analyzed results of four LSG patients that received Stretta to treat chronic GERD at Duke University Health System . Authored by A. Daniel Guerron, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery and Dana Portenier, MD, Chief, Division of Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery, Co-Director, Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery Fellowship, and Assistant Professor of Surgery, the article outlined the challenges involved with these patients, and why Stretta has emerged as a favorable treatment strategy.

          Noting the growing popularity of the LSG procedure for weight loss, the authors explained why the less invasive LSG is attractive to patients but noted that LSG does not resolve GERD symptoms as consistently as gastric bypass. GERD after LSG can result in the need for a revisional surgery. And although more research is needed on the role of LSG in GERD, there is a need for a non-surgical option for patients who experience GERD after a bariatric procedure.

          The series reviewed outcomes of four patients at various follow-up times. Prior to Stretta, all patients had GERD symptoms that were uncontrolled with medications. At 8-months after treatment two patients were symptom free. Two patients experienced significant relief with remaining symptoms successfully managed with reduced medication after 1-3 months. There were no complications related to the Stretta procedure.

          Dr. Guerron concluded, "Our experience using Stretta to treat GERD in this challenging patient population has been very favorable and has allowed us to avoid revisional surgery in a majority of our Stretta patients. This case series demonstrates that Stretta can safely and effectively treat the bariatric patient with GERD."

          Stretta is a non-surgical procedure for GERD that uses  non-ablative radiofrequency (RF) energy to treat the muscle between the stomach and esophagus.  Studies show that Stretta can resolve reflux symptoms, reduce or eliminate medications, and decrease acid exposure in patients with chronic GERD. Transoral Stretta therapy does not alter the anatomy, making it a good option for patients with GERD who have undergone bariatric surgery.

          Earlier this year, Mederi announced a  multi-center registry currently enrolling patients that will study the benefit of Stretta as a treatment in patients with GERD after LSG. Additionally, Stretta was featured in hands-on labs and educational sessions at recent medical congresses, IFSO, and Obesity Week.

          ABOUT STRETTA(R)
          Stretta is a versatile, non-surgical treatment for GERD patients who do not respond well to medications and wish to avoid surgery. Stretta has been proven safe and effective in more than 40 studies. Stretta is available worldwide, go to: stretta-therapy.com.