Short-Term Results of Minimally Invasive Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease by Radiofrequency (Stretta): First Brazilian Series of Cases

Abstract

BACKGROUND: New endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) are developed every year and are indicated in cases that are refractory to conventional therapies as well as after surgical treatment failure. OBJECTIVE: To present the first cases of endoscopic therapy for GERD performed in Brazil. METHODS: Use of radiofrequency with the Stretta procedure in symptomatic volunteers diagnosed with GERD. RESULTS The technique was performed in three patients after they were included in the study protocol. No patient had complications, and all patients were discharged on the same day, either without medication or taking it sporadically for symptom control. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic treatment for GERD using radiofrequency was effective in the cases presented herein with no technical complications.

Endoscopic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux: a narrative review

“…3,5,[21][22][23]25,26 Furthermore, approximately 40% of patients do not respond completely to PPI treatment. 5,6,22,27,28 If the patient does not feel relief from symptoms despite the use of an optimized dose of PPIs for 8 weeks, the condition is called refractory GERD. 27…”

“…GERD affects between 8% and 33% of the world's population and affects all age groups and sex. 3,6 It is a very common disease, with a higher prevalence in South Asia, Southeast Europe, and America. The prevalence in Europe is approximately 8.8%-25.9%.…”

“…7 In the United States, the annual expenditure on diagnosing and treating the disease exceeds 9 billion dollars. 6,8…”

Endoscopic Diagnosis and Treatment of Bariatric Surgery Complications

“…After completion, a new endoscopy is performed to rule out possible complications. 9 There are significant controversies about the worsening of GERD after SG, with results showing both an increase and a reduction in symptoms. Khidir et al, in a retrospective study, reported that there was no improvement in the patients' symptoms, but there was a decrease in the dose of proton pump inhibitors 6 months after using Stretta.…”

Too Much Information. What to Do?

“…There are current themes that deserve attention from the specialist such as intestinal constipation, swallowing, diagnostic methods of gastroesophageal reflux, proton pump inhibitors, achalasia, anorectal function evaluation. The edition consists of four reviews/updates with critical analysis of the literature (1)(2)(3)(4) and nine original works of research/standardization of study methods (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13) . Particularly draws attention the medical centers involved (Faculdade .…”