Comprehensive Review Analyzes Outcomes of 18 Published Studies and 1,441 Patients

Greenwich, Conn., August 9, 2012 – A meta-analysis published in the August issue of Surgical Laparoscopy Endoscopy and Percutaneous Techniques provides comprehensive outcomes analysis of patients who received Stretta therapy for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Stretta is a minimally invasive treatment for GERD sufferers who do not respond well to medical management. Stretta uses low temperature radiofrequency energy to remodel tissue in the lower esophageal sphincter and gastric cardia. The meta-analysis included results from 18 separate clinical studies and examined the impact of Stretta therapy on GERD symptoms.

“In this review, our analysis concludes that the Stretta procedure produces a significant reduction in acid exposure, as well as significant improvements in GERD symptoms, patient satisfaction, and quality of life at short and intermediate term follow-up,” said Scott Melvin, MD, one of the study authors from the Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Division of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery at The Ohio State University, in Columbus, Ohio. “The data indicate that Stretta represents a viable treatment option for properly selected patients with symptomatic GERD.”

Results highlighted in the meta-analysis showed significant improvement in patient symptoms following a Stretta procedure. Both subjective and objective outcome measurements of GERD showed statistically significant improvement in the following:

–        GERD-HRQL Score
–        QOLRAD Score
–        SF-36 Physical
–        SF-36 Mental
–        Heartburn Score
–        Satisfaction Score
–        Esophageal Acid Exposure
–        DeMeester Score

The study reports that the initial literature search yielded 68 published articles about Stretta. Inclusion in the meta-analysis was narrowed to 18 studies that met the common and appropriate criteria. “There has been a significant amount of research done on Stretta,” said Will Rutan, CEO of Mederi Therapeutics, manufacturer of Stretta. “This meta-analysis presents a comprehensive assessment of the impressive body of data and confirms the safety of Stretta, its effectiveness in symptom relief, and a significant reduction in harmful esophageal acid exposure.  Moreover, recently published studies with long term follow up have concluded that these outstanding results are durable as well.”

Additional information is available in Surgical Laparoscopy Endoscopy and Percutaneous Techniques, August 2012; 22(4) 283–288, http://journals.lww.com/surgical-laparoscopy/Abstract/2012/08000/Radiofrequency_Energy_Delivery_to_the_Lower.2.aspx.