There isn't sufficient information at this time to determine the long-term effectiveness of the radiofrequency treatment. Physicians will routinely prescribe treatment options, such as proton pump inhibitors and fundoplication surgery, where the success rate is known and will give patients the best outcomes. While studies conducted in 2004 and 2002 document the percentage of success achieved from the radiofrequency treatment (Stretta Procedure), at the present time this rate of success does not equal that of the fundiplication surgery.
It is important to discuss with your physician what type of procedure is best for you and what results you may expect.
Related Resources:
Sources:
"Updated Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease." ISSN 0002-9270 doi: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2005.41217.x. American College of Gastroenterology. 15 May 2008.
"The Word on GERD." American College of Gastroenterology. 15 May 2008.
Wolfsen HC, Richards WO. "The Stretta procedure for the treatment of GERD: a registry of 558 patients." Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2002 Dec;12(6):395-402. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida 32224, USA. 15 May 2008.
Torquati A, Houston HL, Kaiser J, Holzman MD, Richards WO, "Long-term follow-up study of the Stretta procedure for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease." Surg Endosc. 2004 Oct;18(10):1475-9. Epub 2004 Jul 22. Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, D-5219 MCN. 15 May 2008
"TREATING GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE." Office of Device Evaluation Annual Report Fiscal Year 2000. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 15 May 2008.
