A newly published peer-review study that examines Stretta therapy is bringing renewed attention to this non-surgical procedure that has 10 years of patient data and recently earned The Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) highest GRADE recommendation.

The study, published in Gastroenterology Research and Practice, is titled Stretta Radiofrequency Treatment for GERD: A Safe and Effective Modality and presents facts that dispel some misconceptions about Stretta. The study concludes that Stretta is a safe and effective treatment in patients for whom PPI therapy is undesirable, or the many who prefer less invasive treatment options.

The study cites experimental and clinical data from a multitude of sources. Stretta uses low power and low temperature radiofrequency (RF) energy to remodel the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, thus reducing Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and its symptoms.

"This review of the clinical data, including controlled and randomized studies, as well as studies with long-term follow up, concludes that Stretta is safe, effective and long-lasting—and a valuable option for many patients seeking relief from their GERD symptoms," said study co-author Dr. George Triadafilopoulos of the division of gastroenterology and hepatology in Stanford University School of Medicine. "This is particularly important in light of current concern about long-term PPI use and patient resistance to anti-reflux surgery.”

With the NIH reporting that approximately 20% of Americans suffer GERD symptoms at least once a week, doctors are seeking treatment options for GERD.  SAGES recently published clinical guidelines (August '13 Surgical Endoscopy) that gave Stretta therapy a GRADE recommendation of "++++/strong," citing evidence from 32 clinical trials.