STRETTA Improves Refractory GERD in Patients with Previous Gastric Surgery

STRETTA is the only endoscopic radiofrequency device licensed for GERD in the UK. STRETTA improves the quality of life and reduces the need for anti-reflux medication in select patients, especially those with uncomplicated GERD. Studies have shown that STRETTA is effective in patients with refractory GERD with a history of previous gastric surgery. However, it has been reported only in a few studies. To further evaluate, researchers of the James Cook University Hospital, UK, conducted a study and reviewed the outcomes of STRETTA in patients with medically refractory GERD who had undergone previous gastric surgery.

In this prospective cohort study, the researchers evaluated a database in a British centre and included 11 patients with GERD and a history of previous gastric surgery. They evaluated the anti-reflux medication pre-and-post-STRETTA. They assessed the outcomes objectively by the change in anti-reflux medication and subjectively through a pre-and post-procedure GERD-health-related quality of life (HRQL) questionnaire. The median length of follow-up was 23 months.

Key findings of the study were:

• Upon evaluation, the researchers found that nine patients had improved GERD-HRQL scores following STRETTA (82%).
• Among 7 patients who underwent fundoplication, they noted that all reported improved symptoms, with 3 patients discontinuing the medication and 3 patients on a reduced dose of proton pump inhibitor.
• Of 4 patients who underwent surgery other than fundoplication, they noted 2 had improvement and discontinued the proton pump inhibitor. While the other two patients reported no improvement.

The authors concluded, " This case series demonstrates that STRETTA is successful in reducing refractory GERD in patients with a history of gastric surgery. The outcomes in this cohort of patients were comparable to published outcomes in patients with uncomplicated GERD who have not previously undergone a gastric intervention."

For further information:

https://www.e-ce.org/journal/view.php?doi=10.5946/ce.2020.243