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Minimally Invasive Procedure Helps GERD Patients

Port Charlotte, FL (May 24, 2006) -- A minimally invasive procedure performed at Fawcett Memorial Hospital is helping patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a cause of chronic heartburn. GERD affects more that 14 million Americans daily. Left untreated, the condition could lead to esophageal stricture, Barretts esophagus and even esophageal cancer.

The Stretta™ Procedure, which has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), can be performed in 45 minutes or less and requires no hospital stay. As a result of the Stretta Procedure, 70 percent of patients no longer use any heartburn medications and 87 percent were able to discontinue all prescription medications.

"The most common options available for GERD patients have been lifetime drug therapy or surgery. In contrast to surgical methods which are costly and require hospitalization, this procedure allows patients to go home after a few hours and most patients return to normal activity the following day," said Gastroenterologist Sovi Joseph, M.D., who has been performing this procedure at Fawcett for 2 years.

“Many GERD patients can avoid surgery altogether through lifestyle modifications such as reducing fatty foods or not eating before bedtime. Over-the-counter and prescription medications can help, but not for all patients.”

Performed as an outpatient procedure without hospitalization and general anesthesia, the Stretta Procedure is approximately one-fifth the cost of surgery and a fraction of the cost of long-term medication. A tiny video camera is lowered through the mouth along with the Stretta catheter. The catheter emits radiofrequency energy, which narrows the opening in the area where the esophagus meets the stomach. A tighter valve in the gastroesophageal junction prevents reflux.

Traditional surgery for GERD would involve a large incision in the patient's upper abdomen to reconfigure the esophagus and stomach anatomy to prevent acid reflux. Patients would have to stay in the hospital for several days to weeks as they recover from the surgery.

GERD is caused by a weakness in the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid from the stomach to flow backwards up into the esophagus. Symptoms include significant heartburn, acid regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, cough, sore throat, horse voice, chest pain, sleep disturbance and breathing difficulties due to exacerbation of asthma. There are two ways to measure acid-reflux into the esophagus. The 1st is to place a catheter through the esophagus which will remain in place for 24 hours. The 2nd, more popular method is to use a capsule that clips onto the esophagus and data is collected over a period of 48 hours.

Fawcett Memorial Hospital is a 238-bed, full-service acute care hospital serving Charlotte County and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. Clinical specialties include JCAHO accredited Stroke Center, 24-hour emergency care center, a comprehensive cancer program affiliated with Moffitt Cancer Center, The Spine Care Center, inpatient and outpatient surgery, comprehensive cardiac program, inpatient rehabilitation, and many outpatient programs. Fawcett also provides a variety of community wellness programs as part of its ongoing commitment to community outreach and education.

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