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World J Gastroenterol. Jun 28, 2014; 20(24): 7730-7738
Published online Jun 28, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i24.7730
Stretta: A valuable endoscopic treatment modality for gastroesophageal reflux disease
George Triadafilopoulos
George Triadafilopoulos, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
Author contributions: Triadafilopoulos G contributed solely to this manuscript.
Correspondence to: George Triadafilopoulos, MD, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, M-211, Stanford, CA 94305, United States. vagt@stanford.edu
Telephone: +1-650-9887488 Fax: +1-650-9887486
Received: August 5, 2013
Revised: December 14, 2013
Accepted: March 6, 2014
Published online: June 28, 2014
Abstract

One potential option for the management of refractory gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the delivery of radiofrequency energy to the gastro-esophageal junction (Stretta). This endoscopic therapy is safe, effective, durable, and repeatable if necessary and serves an unmet need for many GERD sufferers. Stretta could be effective in decreasing esophageal sensitivity to acid and in decreasing the gastro-esophageal junction compliance, which in turn contributes to symptomatic benefit by decreasing refluxate volume. Therefore, Stretta may serve as an endoscopic pain modulator and should be considered in patients with refractory symptoms despite proton pump inhibitors, as well as in patients with functional heartburn.

Keywords: Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Esophageal sphincter, Lower, Radiofrequency energy, Heartburn, Esophagitis

Core tip: Stretta may serve as an endoscopic pain modulator and should be considered in patients with refractory symptoms despite proton pump inhibitors, as well as in patients with functional heartburn.