Stretta
Stretta is a minimally-invasive procedure offered by Dr. Bello and the medical team at Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery for those suffering from GERD. This FDA-approved option has produced impressive results in all of its’ medical studies and is a welcome alternative to surgery. The Stretta procedure may be the solution for patients who are not candidates for GERD surgery.
Stretta Q & A
What is the Stretta Procedure?
Stretta is a minimally-invasive, non-surgical outpatient procedure for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
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GERD damages the muscles between the throat and the stomach. The Stretta procedure utilizes advanced, proven technology to re-strengthen the affected muscles to improve muscle control and lessen occurrences of acid reflux.
How Does the Stretta Procedure Work?
Stretta is a minimally-invasive, non-surgical outpatient procedure for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
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GERD damages the muscles between the throat and the stomach. The Stretta procedure utilizes advanced, proven technology to re-strengthen the affected muscles to improve muscle control and lessen occurrences of acid reflux.
How Does the Stretta Procedure Work?
The patient is sedated with anesthesia and then the Stretta tube is slid down the patients’ throat to the muscles which connect the throat to the stomach. The Stretta tube sends mild radio waves through the tissue while releasing water to protect the patient from any potential heat injury. The radio waves stimulate the tissue to stimulate muscle growth. After the procedure, the tube is removed from the patient through the mouth.
How Long is the Stretta procedure?
Stretta is a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure which takes, on average, one hour to perform.
Am I Qualified for Stretta?
It is rare for patients to experience complications from Stretta. In a medical study performed by Harvard and Stanford Medical Schools, only 29 of 15,000 patients experienced any kind of complication. Although minimal, if you are worried about potential risks, talk to Dr. Bello and our medical team about your concerns.
Is the Stretta Procedure a Risky Procedure?
It is very rare for patients to experience any complications from Stretta. In a medical study performed by Harvard and Stanford Medical Schools, only 29 of 15,000 patients experiences any kind of complication. Possible complications related to Stretta are minimal, and if you are worried about potential consequences you should not hesitate to bring these concerns up with Dr. Bello and our medical team, who can speak at length about the safety of this procedure.
What Can I Expect After the Procedure?
Most patients experience a reduction in heartburn and regurgitation symptoms within one month of the procedure. Additionally, there is a high percentage of patients who no longer needed to use their reflux medications after undergoing Stretta.
What is the Recovery Timetable?
Stretta is a non-surgical procedure for treating GERD. It is performed in an outpatient capacity and most patients can return to their normal activities the same day.