Treatment of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease with radiofrequency energy (Stretta) in patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Background: Morbid obesity is associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which, in most cases, completely resolves after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms have limited surgical options. This study sought to evaluate the application of the Stretta procedure for patients with refractory GERD. Methods: The medical records of all patients who underwent Stretta for refractory GERD after RYGB were reviewed. Demographic, preoperative, and postoperative reflux data were collected. Data are presented as mean ± standard error of the mean. The t-test was used for comparison purposes. Results: Of 369 patients, 7 received Stretta 27 ± 6 months after RYGB. All were women with a mean age of 49 ± 2 years. All the patients had experienced prebypass GERD symptoms for a duration of 45 ± 8 months. The mean prebypass body mass index was 45 ± 2 kg/m², and this was reduced to 29 ± 2 kg/m ² after laparoscopic RYGB (p < 0.001). Before Stretta, all patients underwent a 48-h Bravo pH study, which demonstrated reflux with a mean fraction time of 7% ± 2% for pH lower than 4. After Stretta, five patients had complete resolution of their symptoms, with normalization of pH studies (mean fraction time of 3% ± 0% for pH < 4). The follow-up period after Stretta was 20 ± 2 months. One patient did not have adequate relief of symptoms after Stretta, and one patient was lost to follow-up evaluation. Conclusion: Stretta is a valid option in the treatment of persistent GERD for patients who have undergone gastric bypass. Further study is required to evaluate the long-term efficacy of this procedure.