SP6.1.7 Radio-frequency ablation using the STRETTA© is a feasible treatment option for GORD and reduces need for primary fundoplication

Abstract

Introduction The STRETTA© system of using radiofrequency (RF) energy to the gastro-oesophageal junction (GOJ) for management of refractory gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) has shown to improve baseline symptoms, PPI dependence and reduce the need for anti-reflux operations in select group of patients. We aimed to review our outcomes of STRETTA© for patients with medically refractory GORD. Methods A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was carried out in a tertiary British centre. All patients who underwent STRETTA© procedure from 2015 were reviewed. General practises and individual patients were followed up to obtain the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) free time after undergoing STRETTA© procedure. Results A total of 200 patients underwent STRETTA© procedure from 2015. All patients were reviewed once in clinic between 4–6 weeks with an overall median follow-up of 34.5 months. Preliminary analysis suggest over half of the patients (54%, n=108) remaining without PPI usage. Data for median time before restarting proton pump inhibitors (PPI) after STRETTA© is being collected. No patients needed further STRETTA© treatment and 2 patients (1%) has gone onto have anti-reflux procedure for non-resolution of symptoms. Conclusion Our preliminary findings suggest STRETTA© as a valuable and feasible option for treating refractory GERD. It may help reduce the need for fundoplication procedures and our data suggests that it increases the time before which surgery is required.