Improvement of objective GERD parameters after radiofrequency energy delivery: A European study

Objective. The Stretta procedure is an endoluminal radiofrequency energy delivery system for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The purpose of this study was to present, for the first time, the Stretta treatment experience from European centers. Material and methods. Sixty patients with a history of GERD from six European centers underwent Stretta treatment from May 2001 to June 2003. All patients were at least partly responsive to daily proton-pump inhibitors. Esophageal motility, endoscopy, and ambulatory 24-h pH studies were done in all patients at baseline and 6 and 12 months after treatment. We evaluated medication use, satisfaction, GERD-health-related quality of life, 24-h pH-metry, manometry, and endoscopy. Results. Sixty patients (31 M, 29 F, mean age 47±13 years, mean years of GERD 7.4±7.2) were treated with the Stretta procedure. At 12 months after treatment, 75% of the patients needed no medication or less medication than before treatment. They were more satisfied with th...