GERD & Heartburn HELP Center

PREVITY is the only comprehensive surgical center for GERD and heartburn in Southeast Texas.
Treatment options for GERD often depend on the severity of the condition and may include the following:

Lifestyle Modifications
Changes in lifestyle may relieve GERD symptoms in some patients.

— Eliminate coffee, alcohol, smoking
— Avoid eating close to bedtime
— Sleep with the head of the bed elevated
— Eliminate spicy or fatty foods and citrus or tomato products

Prescription Medications
These medications provide symptomatic relief, but are generally required for the lifetime of the patient.

— The following drugs work by decreasing acid production:
— Proton pump inhibitors - H2-receptor antagonists

Anti-Reflux Surgery
This surgery involves wrapping the stomach around the esophagus to improve the barrier function of the lower esophageal sphincter.

— 2-4 hour procedure
— General anesthesia
— 1-4 day hospital stay
— 1-3 weeks back to work

The Stretta Procedure
WHAT IS STRETTA?
Stretta Therapy is a minimally invasive effective outpatient procedure.

— 45 minute procedure
— Outpatient, no hospital stay
— 1-2 days back to work

For those who suffer from chronic heartburn and are considering a surgical intervention, Stretta may be an optimal and less invasive option for you.
Patients receive conscious sedation (the same sedation used for your endoscopy procedure) and the Stretta Catheter is passed through the mouth, so there are no visible cuts or scars as a result of the procedure. Patients typically go home 1-2 hours after the procedure. Most patients are able to return to work and their normal activities the day after treatment, so there is minimal interruption to everyday life.

A specially designed, flexible, catheter is passed through the mouth, into the esophagus, and is positioned at the LES valve near the stomach. The catheter places 4 small needles into the muscle of the LES and delivers RF to the muscle, thereby warming the tissue to 85° Celsius (185° Fahrenheit). Several areas in the region of the LES and stomach are treated. The procedure typically lasts approximately 45 minutes.
 
HOW STRETTA WORKS

1. The physician places the Stretta catheter through the patient’s mouth and into the valve between the stomach and esophagus.

2. Radiofrequency energy is delivered to the muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter and gastric cardia to create small thermal lesions.

3. Over time, the lesions heal and the tissue contracts. Clinical studies show improvement in GERD symptoms, acid exposure, and elimination or reduction of the use of heartburn medications.

Learn more about Stretta HERE.