Stretta is a non-invasive treatment for gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), also called acid reflux. it’s designed to strengthen the muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus, the food pipe which prevents reflux. For many people who are suffering from heartburn or acid reflux, that muscle is weak and that’s the underlying reason why reflux happens.
Using a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure, radiofrequency energy is delivered through electrodes to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) at the lower end of the esophagus (food-pipe). This causes tightening of the muscles at the LES and thus reduces acid reflux.
How long will the procedure take & will I feel any pain?
Stretta is a completely painless procedure which is done under general anaesthetic and takes about 45 minutes. It’s a day case procedure for patients meaning they can go home the same day. Once done the procedure acts to strengthen the muscle and give it more bulk to prevent reflux from happening.
How long will it take to benefit from Stretta?
People will typically see the benefits within a couple of weeks of starting, and then going forward the results show that the treatment has long-lasting results. Patients can expect to stop medication they are on for reflux or at least drastically reduce it, while there symptoms are resolved. Overall it’s a really good procedure for many patients with reflux. Obviously careful evaluation is needed and before we decide that stretches for you. But when it’s appropriate it’s a really good intervention and we expect long-lasting results.
Are there any side effects with Stretta
Stretta is a very safe procedure of procedure, as mentioned it’s done under general anaesthetic so you don’t feel the procedure happening while it’s being done. Some people will feel like playing or sickness after seizure for the first day maybe for the first 2 days but generally speaking it’s very well tolerated and side effects are very few, and there’ll be some small amount of bleeding during the procedure but I’m very pleased to be able to bring this kind of procedure to King’s, and it’s is a very safe alternative and new treatment option for people with reflux.
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