The first Stretta and Secca Workshop in the Arab Gulf was held from June 2 to 6 2012, and included live cases of both therapies in Riyadh, Jedda and Dammam KSA. The workshops consisted of lectures and training followed by live cases of Stretta and Secca. There were a total of 15 cases performed by US as well as Saudi Arabian physicians. While the prevalence of GERD in the KSA is high, the prevalence of Bowel Control Disorder (BCD) has yet to be determined due to the embarrassing nature of the problem.

The first Stretta and Secca Workshop in the Arab Gulf was held from June 2 to 6 2012, and included live cases of both therapies in Riyadh, Jedda and Dammam KSA. The workshops consisted of lectures and training followed by live cases of Stretta and Secca. There were a total of 15 cases performed by US as well as Saudi Arabian physicians. While the prevalence of GERD in the KSA is high, the prevalence of Bowel Control Disorder (BCD) has yet to be determined due to the embarrassing nature of the problem.

The interest in Stretta for GERD was especially high and evidenced by a physician who was trained and then performed several Stretta cases, then elected to have a Stretta performed on himself the following day. Dr. M.Q., who was awake for the procedure, said, “It was quite smooth and painless. I am excited to get relief from my GERD symptoms”. The minimally invasive nature of both procedures coupled with the ease of use of the equipment are driving interest in Secca and Stretta and will help to raise awareness of the conditions they treat.

The Workshops will appear on TV (Rotana and MBC), in the near future – stay tuned for more updates from KSA and the Middle East.