NORWALK, Conn. /PRNewswire/ -- Stretta Therapy, a non-ablative
radiofrequency treatment for GERD, was called "effective, safe and
durable following 15 years of worldwide use" and cited as a "viable
complement or alternative to medical and surgical treatment" in a
newly-published clinical review of endoscopic techniques for
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Authors Wai-Kit Lo, MD, MPH and Hiroshi Mashimo, MD, PhD of Harvard Medical School, examined multiple alternatives to
PPI therapy or surgery, including Stretta and other devices such as
endoscopic plication and suturing, as well as injectable and
implantable bulking agents. Their findings have been published
online (in advance of print) in the Journal of
Clinical Gastroenterology.
ABOUT
GERD AND ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENTS
GERD
affects an estimated 20 percent of adults, and although PPI therapy
is the accepted standard of care, there are approximately 40
percent of patients who still experience symptoms despite PPI
treatment. The authors explain that the main anatomic and
neuromuscular defects underlying GERD are not addressed by PPIs.
They also recognize a rising awareness of adverse effects
associated with long-term PPI use and a decline in the volume of
surgical fundoplication, noting that these factors underscore the
need for alternative approaches to complement medical and surgical
treatments.
There
are several endoscopic techniques available. However, recognizing
that data about these therapies has been mixed, the authors
undertook a critical assessment of these technologies to better
understand the role that they play in the management of GERD
symptoms.
THE
WEALTH OF RESEARCH ON STRETTA
In
their evaluation of treatments, authors noted that Stretta has the
longest period of clinical evaluation, observing that Stretta data
includes a meta-analysis of 1,441 patients across 18 studies, and
four randomized-controlled trials. They referenced that Stretta
earned the strongest grade recommendation by the Society of
American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) in
guidelines for endoluminal
treatment of GERD in 2013. They also reported that newer
studies show that the effect of Stretta remains durable at eight
and 10 years after initial therapy. Additionally, recent guidelines
from the ASGE came out in support of a consideration ofendoscopic
treatments for GERD.
Regarding Stretta, the authors concluded that, "A wealth of
research has demonstrated the safety, efficacy, durability, and
repeatability of Stretta treatment. Most important, it does not
preclude alternative treatments including medical, surgical, or
repeat radiofrequency treatments, and may also provide potential
treatment for patients who have failed fundoplication. Stretta is
likely the least expensive alternative to medical therapy. This
technique should be considered a viable complement or alternative
to medical and surgical treatment of GERD symptoms."
ABOUT STRETTA®
Stretta Therapy is a
non-surgical treatment option for GERD patients who do not respond
well to medications and wish to avoid surgery. Stretta has been
performed more than 18,000 times since the year 2000 and been the
subject of more than 37 studies, all showing a high level of safety
and efficacy. Stretta is manufactured by Mederi Therapeutics and is
available worldwide.
Contact: Julia Brannan
[email protected]
(908) 464-2470
Logo
- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150810/257388LOGO