Concierge upper GI · UK
Stretta procedure - radiofrequency for reflux, no incision.
An endoscopic radiofrequency treatment that remodels the lower oesophageal sphincter to reduce reflux. A niche option for well-selected patients between PPIs and formal anti-reflux surgery.
Why patients choose us
- 01
An upper GI specialist first
An upper GI surgeon or interventional gastroenterologist who does fundoplication, LINX and Stretta - not one-technique consultants.
- 02
Diagnostic workup that supports the decision
pH studies, manometry and endoscopy before Stretta. If a hernia is 3 cm or a motility issue shows up, we say so.
- 03
Independent, and free
Where PPIs, LINX or fundoplication fit better, we say so plainly. The recommendation costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private Stretta procedure costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across our partner units. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options, with cover checked.
In short
A private Stretta procedure in our network: £6,500–£11,000, home day-case.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stretta procedure (day-case) | £6,500–£11,000 | 45–60 min | Day-case |
| Upper GI consultation only | £280–£450 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
| Diagnostic gastroscopy | £1,100–£1,800 | 20–30 min | Same visit |
| 24-hour pH study | £950–£1,500 | 24 hours | Report in 5–10 days |
| High-resolution oesophageal manometry | £850–£1,400 | 30–45 min | Report in 5–10 days |
| Diagnostic bundle (endoscopy, pH, manometry) | £2,500–£4,000 | Split visits | 2–3 weeks |
Prices vary by hospital, by the consultant, by approach, and by whether adjunct services are needed. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
Between PPIs and full surgery, a specific tool.
Stretta is not a fundoplication substitute for large hernias or severe reflux. It is a considered middle option - the trick is patient selection and not overselling it.
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Confirm the diagnosis first
Twenty percent of patients told they have GORD do not. Manometry and pH change management before Stretta is discussed.
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Hernia size matters
Hiatus hernia over 2 cm rules Stretta out. LINX or fundoplication is the right conversation.
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Symptom improvement, not cure
Stretta reduces reflux and often lowers PPI dose. It is not a guaranteed cure - we set expectations honestly.
The journey
From enquiry to recovery - what happens, in order.
One team from first message through follow-up and rehabilitation.
Phase 1 · Before your treatment
Assessment, imaging and planning
Phase 2 · On the day
Treatment and recovery
Phase 3 · After
Review and follow-up
- 01
Before
Your first message
A short form: symptoms, current PPI, previous endoscopies.
- 02
Before
Recommendation and price
Within one working day: whether Stretta is the right procedure, which specialist and indicative price.
- 03
Before
Endoscopy, pH and manometry
Diagnosis confirmed, hernia measured, motility checked, Barrett changes noted.
- 04
Before
Consent and pre-procedure
Anticoagulants and PPI plans discussed, someone to collect and stay overnight arranged.
- 05
On the day
The procedure
Under sedation with an anaesthetist. Radiofrequency catheter at the lower oesophageal sphincter for 45–60 minutes.
- 06
On the day
Recovery
Home the same day after recovery. Soft diet for 5–7 days, analgesia, written aftercare.
- 07
After
Follow-up
Review at 6 weeks and 6 months. PPIs are usually continued at reduced doses initially and stepped down.
Typical end-to-end: 2–4 weeks from enquiry to treatment.
When it helps
When Stretta procedure is the right step.
The situations we see most, plus the one red flag that needs urgent attention rather than a routine booking.
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Symptomatic GORD despite PPI
Ongoing heartburn or regurgitation on maximum PPI dose in a well-selected patient.
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PPI intolerance or reluctance
Patients who prefer to avoid long-term PPIs and want a step-up option short of surgery.
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Small hiatus hernia
A hernia under 2 cm is compatible with Stretta. Larger ones need LINX or fundoplication.
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Extra-oesophageal symptoms
Cough and laryngitis linked to reflux may respond in the right patient - evidence is more modest than for classic reflux.
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Post-bariatric reflux
Selected post-bariatric patients where formal surgery is complex - a niche indication.
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Failed LINX or fundoplication
Occasionally considered where earlier surgery has partially failed - very selected cases.
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Pre-fundoplication trial
A minority of patients want a lower-intensity option before committing to formal surgery.
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Red flag: alarm symptoms
Weight loss, dysphagia, iron deficiency, vomiting or an abnormal endoscopy need urgent upper GI workup - not a Stretta booking.
Options
Approach and technique both depend on the indication.
What each option involves - the surgical or clinical approach, and how it is tailored to each patient.
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Stretta radiofrequency
The procedure itself - radiofrequency energy applied to the lower oesophageal sphincter.
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LINX magnetic sphincter
A magnetic bracelet around the LES. A different mechanism - better for larger hernias.
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Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication
The classic operation - a 360-degree wrap. Highest reflux control, more side effects.
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Toupet (270-degree) fundoplication
A partial wrap for patients with motility concerns.
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Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF)
An endoscopic wrap alternative - not the same as Stretta.
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PPI optimisation
Correct timing, dose and adherence often improves control before any procedure.
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Hiatus hernia repair
Repair alongside anti-reflux surgery where the hernia is 3 cm or more.
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Barrett surveillance
Where Barrett oesophagus is found, surveillance and ablation is a different pathway.
Our vetted UK network
A small panel of specialists, we picked them.
Consultant-led services across London and the major UK cities. Introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every specialist in our network.
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Consultant upper GI surgeons and interventional gastroenterologists working together
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Manometry and pH studies on site - no fragmented pathways
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Access to LINX, fundoplication and Stretta so the operation matches the disease
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Structured follow-up and PPI step-down plan built in
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards - honestly.
A well-established treatment. The things worth planning are the approach, the aftercare and the follow-up.
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Day-case procedure
Most patients home the same day after sedation recovery.
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Chest discomfort
Chest discomfort and mild dysphagia are common for a week. Soft diet and analgesia usually enough.
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Bleeding and perforation are rare
Serious complications are uncommon in experienced hands. Prompt endoscopic review manages most events.
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Symptom improvement, not cure
About two thirds of well-selected patients report significant symptom improvement at one year. Some still need reduced PPIs.
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Repeat or step-up procedures
Some patients need repeat Stretta or move to LINX or fundoplication. The pathway is discussed openly.
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Not for large hernias
Hiatus hernia over 2 cm is a contraindication. Attempting Stretta in these patients is disappointing.
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Motility disorders
Confirmed oesophageal motility disorders are contraindications - one reason we insist on manometry.
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PPI step-down
PPIs are usually reduced over 3–6 months, not stopped abruptly.
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Red flags after the procedure
Severe chest pain, breathlessness, fever, vomiting blood or new dysphagia need the same-day team or A&E.
Reading your notes
Your notes in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever approach was used, the note the consultant sends you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Clinical language is precise and can read coldly - we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the notes before your review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Diagnosis and pre-procedure workup
Endoscopic findings, pH and manometry results and hernia size.
- 02 Technique
Catheter and energy delivery
Number of radiofrequency applications and locations targeted at the LES.
- 03 Findings
Immediate response
Sphincter tightness observations and any adjunctive intervention.
- 04 Impression
PPI and follow-up plan
Read this first: the PPI step-down plan, diet advice and the review schedule.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Stretta is covered by some UK insurers on a case-by-case basis. Many patients self-fund. We check cover before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about Stretta procedure.
Quick answers on suitability, technique, cost and recovery.
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How much does the Stretta procedure cost privately in the UK?
Roughly £6,500–£11,000 as a day-case, plus a diagnostic bundle of £2,500–£4,000 where endoscopy, pH and manometry are not already done. We confirm a firm figure within one working day.
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How does Stretta compare to LINX and fundoplication?
Stretta is a lower-intensity endoscopic option for small or absent hiatus hernias. LINX places a magnetic sphincter and is a strong choice for many patients. Fundoplication is the most durable but has more early side effects and a longer recovery.
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Will Stretta let me stop PPIs?
About one third of well-selected patients come off PPIs; another third reduce their dose. The rest continue but with better symptom control. Expectations are set honestly before you book.
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Am I a candidate?
Adults with proven GORD, small or no hiatus hernia (under 2 cm), suboptimal PPI response and no motility disorder. Alarm symptoms and Barrett changes need different pathways.
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How long is recovery from Stretta?
Back to office work in 2–3 days, back to full activity in a week. Soft diet for 5–7 days. Chest discomfort for a few days is normal.
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Is Stretta safe?
In experienced hands and in the right patient it is a low-risk procedure. Serious complications are rare. Selection is the biggest safety factor - which is why we insist on the full workup first.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Gastro-oesophageal reflux surgery
Overview of anti-reflux surgery options.
Learn more -
LINX reflux surgery
Magnetic sphincter augmentation.
Learn more -
Radiofrequency ablation for Barretts oesophagus
Barrett management with RFA.
Learn more -
Oesophageal dilatation
Endoscopic dilatation of strictures.
Learn more -
Oesophageal physiology
Manometry and pH testing.
Learn more -
All tests & procedures
Every test and procedure we arrange.
Learn more