BMI The Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle, is the first private hospital in the north west to offer a treatment that uses radio waves to cure acid reflux. Stretta is a new, minimally invasive treatment for people suffering from gastro-oesophageal reflux (GORD).
GORD, or ‘acid’ reflux can be an extremely debilitating problem, causing significant pain and severely affecting quality of life. When patients suffer from reflux that does not respond to medication or where long-term medications are not an option, the Stretta treatment offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. The treatment is carried out at BMI The Alexandra Hospital as an outpatient procedure, with patients returning to normal activities within a few days – transforming the lives of those with symptoms of acid reflux.
The Stretta system delivers radiofrequency energy to the muscle between the stomach and oesophagus through a simple endoscopy procedure. This energy tones and strengthens the muscle tissue, resulting in an improved ‘barrier’ function and fewer reflux events.
Carole Brewitt, 69, from the Isle of Man, suffered from severe reflux for many years, before having the Stretta treatment at the BMI Alexandra Hospital, in Cheadle three months ago.
“My life has been given back to me after having the Stretta treatment – I can enjoy socialising with my friends again,” she says. “I had got to the point with the reflux symptoms, where I didn’t want to go out socialising anymore, because I would feel so ill. I got terrible, painful indigestion and heartburn when I ate or drank alcohol and I would often wake up feeling sick. I went to my GP and he prescribed medication, but it didn’t really help,” recalls Carole.
“After I’d lost over a stone in weight because I couldn’t eat properly, I sought the advice of Dr Simon Campbell at BMI The Alexandra Hospital,” she explains. “I really felt like I wasn’t living my life to the full, enjoying my retirement and even my friends had started to notice how often I made excuses to avoid going out to eat and drink. “Dr Campbell carried out an extensive set of tests to see just how bad the problem was and to explore which treatments I might be suitable for.”
Dr Simon Campbell, Consultant Gastroenterologist at BMI The Alexandra Hospital said: “I’m really pleased to be able to offer the Stretta treatment at BMI The Alexandra Hospital. Acid reflux can be a serious problem, not only causing pain but also affecting how they lives their lives as in Carole’s case. The Stretta treatment is a safe and effective alternative to surgery or medication for many patients with severe acid reflux and can totally change their lives for the better, in a simple one hour-long procedure.
Carole adds, “My life has been completely transformed. I’m back to enjoying my life – and social life – again and I don’t have to worry about being in pain from the reflux. I feel like I’m back to being me!”
BMI The Alexandra Hospital is the only private hospital in the north west to offer the Stretta treatment.