Abstract
Background:
No data are available regarding resource utilization of the Stretta procedure and its impact on endoscopy units in comparison with other endoscopy procedures.
Methods:
This observational cohort study compared the demographic data and procedural parameters for our first 13 cases undergoing the Stretta procedure, with similar endoscopic colonoscopy and ultrasonography (EUS) cases.
Results:
The characteristics of the patients were similar among these groups. The patients undergoing the Stretta procedure required significantly more sedative medication than those undergoing colonoscopy or EUS. The Stretta procedure time and recovery time were significantly longer than the colonoscopy procedure time and recovery time. The Stretta procedure time was also significantly longer than the EUS procedure time, but the Stretta recovery time was not significantly longer than the EUS recovery time.
Conclusions:
Although this study is small and not randomized, it provides useful information regarding how endoscopic procedures compare with one another. Furthermore, these findings have implications for determining endoscopy unit staffing, work equivalency, and appropriate reimbursement.
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