The Stretta™ Procedure, developed by Curon Medical, Inc.,Sunnydale California, is a minimally-invasive outpatient procedure performed by a gastroenterologist in 60 minutes or less. The physician delivers controlled radio waves to tighten muscle control at the point where the esophagus meets the stomach, preventing acid from traveling upward. The Stretta Procedure was cleared by the FDA in April, 2000 for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The Stretta procedure is recommended only for GERD and not for occasional heartburn, large hiatal hernias, or inflammation of the esophagus.

In a clinical study conducted at 14 centers in the U.S. with 130 patients,
70% were able to discontinue all acid suppressing medications and 87
discontinued proton pump inhibitor medications. The procedure reduced the
exposure of the esophagus to acid in the majority of patients, and significantly reduced heartburn and regurgitation. Most Stretta patients were able to resume normal diets and activities that had been modified due to symptoms of GERD.

Another study, cited in Prevention Magazine (July, 2002), was conducted by Timothy Nostrant, M.D., a researcher at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Dr. Nostrant noted that 80% of Stretta Patients were free of heartburn after one year, and more than 60% no longer required heartburn medication. After two years, 60 of those undergoing the Stretta Procedure were GERD-free.

The Stretta Procedure costs about one-fifth the price of acid reflux surgery (about the price a consumer would pay for a year's worth of medication). It is covered by most insurance policies, Ask your doctor about Stretta.

Call the Central Georgia Center for Digestive Health, P.C. at (478) 471-9047 for more information on this innovative procedure.