Management of Reflux After Sleeve using Stretta

[Alex Brecher 10,513]

Chronic GERD treatment is challenging for patients who have had a sleeve gastrectomy (SG).

• In some patients, GERD is resolved after SG, but in others symptoms remain
• Nissen fundoplication surgery is not an option for SG patients due to altered anatomy
• Revisional surgery from the less invasive SG to Roux-En-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has been the standard alternative for this challenging patient
• Patients who chose the SG, may want to avoid a revision to RYGB to control their GERD
• GERD medications (PPIs) if taken long-term may have a risk of significant side effects, including: osteoporosis, c.diff infections, kidney disease, heart disease and dementia
• For some patients, GERD symptoms are not completely controlled by PPIs
• Leaving chronic GERD uncontrolled can lead to Barretts Esophagus

There is a clinical study currently enrolling patients on the management of reflux with stretta in patients who have had a sleeve gastrectomy.

• Email Rebecca Meli rmeli@montefiore.org to be referred to a study site. Please let her know that you heard about it on BariatricPal!
• For complete study details go to: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02637713.

What is Stretta - and why may Stretta be appropriate for GERD after bariatric surgery?

Stretta is an FDA cleared device that treats the muscle between the stomach and the esophagus with radiofrequency (RF) energy - it is indicated for the treatment of GERD.

• Non-surgical treatment delivered through the mouth, that does not alter the anatomy
• Delivers low levels of RF energy to the muscle between the stomach and esophagus
• Studies show Stretta results in a thicker muscle, improved barrier and fewer reflux events
• More than 40 clinical studies show Stretta to be safe, effective and durable
• Having a Stretta procedure does not complicate future surgeries when necessary
• A study of Stretta in GERD patients after RYGB showed 71% with resolved symptoms
  (Mattar et al 2006)

[Little LuLu 9]

I have never had a problem with acid reflux. Does having sleeve surgery make me more likely to have problems with acid reflux??

[BrandiBoo 25]

I've never had issues with reflux. I had sleeve surgery in August and now I have major reflux. I take medicine for it everyday!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[Alex Brecher 10,513]

I have never had a problem with acid reflux. Does having sleeve surgery make me more likely to have problems with acid reflux??

Reflux is one of the possible side effects of Sleeve Gastrectomy. Luckily, it can usually be treated by taking PPIs. Taking PPIs long term isn't advisable though and that's why I am such a strong believer in stretta.

[Little LuLu 9]

@@BrandiBoo wow that sucks!!!! Will you ever be able to stop taking this medicine ?? How much damage has this caused to your esophagus?? What does acid reflux feel like?? sorry for all the questions