Heartburn Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Heartburn, including details on symptoms, causes, prevention, treatment, diet, reflux, drugs.

Delivery of radiofrequency energy to the gastroesophageal junction (Stretta procedure) for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Cipolletta L, Rotondano G, Dughera L, Repici A, Bianco MA, De Angelis C, Vingiani AM, Battaglia E

Division of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, ASLNA5 Hospital Maresca, Torre del Greco, Italy. cipollet@tin.it

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency (RF) energy treatment is increasingly offered before invasive surgical procedures for selected patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). METHODS: Thirty-two patients undergoing the Stretta procedure were prospectively evaluated with upper endoscopy, manometry, 24-hour pH testing, SF-36 surveys, and GERD-specific questionnaires (GERD HRQL). RESULTS: Significant clinical improvement was observed in 91% of patients (29/32). Mean heartburn and GERD HRQL scores decreased (p = 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively), and physical SF-36 increased (p = 0.05). At a minimum follow-up of 12 months, median esophageal acid exposure decreased (p = 0.79) and was normalized in eight patients. Median lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure was unchanged. Esophagitis healed in six of eight patients, but two patients with nonerosive disease developed asymptomatic grade A esophagitis during follow-up. At 12 months, 56% of patients were off proton pump inhibits. Morbidity was minimal. CONCLUSIONS: RF delivery to LES is safe and significantly improves symptoms and quality of life in selected GERD patients.

Published 31 August 2005 in Surg Endosc, 19(6): 849-53.
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