Radiofrequency Treatment for GERD: Who Are the Best Candidates?

Question: Radiofrequency Treatment for GERD: Who Are the Best Candidates?

Answer:
Radiofrequency treatment is a minimally invasive procedure using an endoscope that is done on an outpatient basis. It is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

This treatment seems to work best for patients who have effective symptom control with medication but do not want to take medication or have trouble taking medication due to side effects. Also, keep in mind that for many people, medication is still necessary even after the radiofrequency treatment.

Related Resources:

• Fundoplication Treatment for GERD
• H2 Blockers
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

_{Sources
"TREATING GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE." Office of Device Evaluation Annual Report Fiscal Year 2000. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 15 May 2008.}

"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