Stretta is a non-surgical treatment for GERD (acid reflux). It uses low-power radiofrequency energy, delivered through a thin, flexible tube with no incisions and no implant, to treat the muscle of the valve between the esophagus and the stomach and help reduce reflux.
It's generally an option for patients whose reflux isn't fully controlled by medication, or who'd like to rely less on daily reflux medication.
Who may benefit from Stretta
Your physician may consider Stretta for patients who:
- Have chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Continue to have reflux symptoms despite acid-suppressing medication
- Wish to reduce their long-term reliance on daily reflux medication
- Prefer a non-surgical option, or are not candidates for anti-reflux surgery
- Have had their reflux evaluated and confirmed by testing
Stretta is not right for everyone. Whether it is an appropriate option is determined through a thorough evaluation and discussion with your care team.
How Stretta works
During the procedure, a specialized catheter delivers carefully controlled radiofrequency energy to the muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter and the upper part of the stomach. Over the weeks that follow, this is intended to improve the strength and function of the reflux barrier.
Because Stretta works on the body's own tissue, there is no implant, no cutting, and no change to the structure of the stomach.
Benefits of Stretta
For appropriate patients, Stretta offers several potential advantages:
- A non-surgical approach to GERD
- No external incisions
- No permanent implant and no change to stomach anatomy
- Performed as an outpatient procedure
- Short recovery compared with surgery
- May help reduce reliance on daily reflux medication in some patients
How to prepare
Please inform your healthcare team if you have heart disease, lung disease, bleeding disorders, an implanted cardiac device, allergies to medications, or any other significant medical condition.
- Do not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before the procedure.
- Inform your physician of all medications you are taking.
- Follow instructions regarding blood thinners, antiplatelet medications, and diabetic medications.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure.
What to expect during the procedure
- An intravenous (IV) line will be started.
- You will receive medications to help you relax and remain comfortable.
- A flexible catheter is passed through the mouth to the area where the esophagus meets the stomach.
- Radiofrequency energy is delivered to the muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter and the upper stomach.
- No incisions are made.
- The procedure is typically completed in under an hour, though the exact time can vary.
- Afterward, you will be monitored in a recovery area until the effects of sedation wear off.
After the procedure
- Most patients return home the same day after a short observation period.
- A mild sore throat or temporary chest discomfort may occur and usually resolves quickly.
- Your care team will give you specific instructions on diet and returning to normal activities.
- Any changes to your reflux medication should be made only as directed by your physician.
- The full benefit of the treatment may develop gradually over the following weeks.
Contact your physician if you experience
- Severe or persistent chest pain
- Difficulty or painful swallowing
- Fever or chills
- Vomiting blood or black stools
- Severe abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
Risks and possible complications
Stretta is generally well tolerated, and most patients recover without significant complications. Possible complications include:
- Sore throat
- Temporary chest or upper abdominal discomfort
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bleeding (rare)
- Injury to the lining of the esophagus (rare)
- Adverse reactions to sedation medications
Your physician will discuss the potential benefits and risks with you and help determine whether Stretta is an appropriate option for your care.