Stretta procedure: First in Cincinnati was done by at JourneyLite Surgery Center on Friday, October 28th!
Stretta is a technology that allows physicians to deliver thermal energy to the muscular layer of the bottom part of the esophagus and upper stomach. This energy causes these muscle areas to tighten up, which reduces the amount of acid that refluxes up into the esophagus. The end result is that patients have less heartburn symptoms without the need for surgery, and most of the time without need for medications as well.
A recent study by Dr. Mark Noar, who has done thousands of Strettas, showed patients still had markedly reduced hearturn/GERD symptoms even 10 years after this procedure!
The first patient, a 67-year old male, has taken medication for reflux most of his adult life. At times in a single day he would take Prilosec, Pepcid, and Gaviscon and still have breakthrough GERD symptoms. He hopes to be rid of the need for these medications altogether as recent studies show an increased incidence of cardiovascular events, kidney disease, and other serious issues with long-term use.
A thirty minute endoscopic procedure under general anesthesia, complications related to the Stretta procedure are very uncommon. Most patients are able to go back to work the next day. A liquid diet is recommended with a gradual transition to solid food over a few days, during which time acid-reducing medications such as PPI’s (Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid) and H2 blockers (Zantac, Pepcid, Tagamet) are weaned.
Congratulations to JourneyLite for breaking new ground!
GERD Treatments
Understanding GERD Treatment Options GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, occurs when stomach contents repeatedly flow back into the esophagus. Symptoms may include heartburn, regurgitation, chest discomfort, chronic cough, throat irritation, or difficulty swallowing. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, the presence of a hiatal hernia, prior surgery, medication response, and findings from diagnostic testing.…
