astroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) leaves a bad taste
in millions of mouths every day. The large number of suf-
ferers (estimates range as high as 30% of the U.S. popula-
tion), combined with growing concerns about the medica-
tions traditionally used to treat it (see "Serious Side Effects of Proton
Pump Inhibitors" on page 52), are creating a huge potential market
for minimally invasive surgical and endoscopic procedures. Here's a
look at 5 promising new approaches the FDA has either recently
approved or is likely to in the next few years.
Stretta
Approved by the FDA in 2000, Stretta (marketed by Mederi
G
1
A U G U S T 2 0 1 6 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 8 1
New Technologies for
Treating GERD
5
The list of
minimally
invasive surgical
and endoscopic
options is
expanding.
Ronnie Fass, MD
Cleveland, Ohio
• HELP ON THE WAY Several promising
technologies for treating GERD have either
recently been approved by the FDA, or likely
will be in the next few years.
