What is Barrett’s Esophagus?
Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition caused by chronic acid reflux disease or GERD. Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that occurs when severe acid reflux or GERD causes cells lining the esophagus – the muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach – to be replaced by tissue that is similar to the lining of the intestine. Although the risk is low, if left untreated, Barrett’s esophagus can lead to a dangerous type of cancer called esophageal cancer, which is one of the most rapidly rising cancers in the United States.
What causes Barrett’s Esophagus?
Barrett's esophagus develops in some people who have chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus). It is believed that damage to the lining of the esophagus, caused by these conditions, causes these abnormal cell changes. People who have had long-standing heartburn are at risk for Barrett's esophagus and should discuss this with their physician.
Symptoms of Barrett’s Esophagus
The following are the most common symptoms of Barrett's esophagus. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
Some persons with this condition may be asymptomatic.
The symptoms may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Treatment of Barrett’s Esophagus
Currently, there is no cure for Barrett's esophagus. Once the cells in the esophageal lining have been replaced by columnar cells, they will not revert back to normal. Thus, treatment is aimed at preventing further damage from occurring by stopping acid reflux from the stomach.
Treatment may include:
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HALO System Ablation – Placentia-Linda’s G.I. Center Now Offers
Barrett’s has traditionally been managed with frequent endoscopic biopsy surveillance. However, a more proactive treatment is now available at Placentia-Linda Hospital, through the use of ablation which uses electrical energy to remove the diseased layer of cells from the esophagus. This option may eliminate the disease before it has the opportunity to progress to cancer.
The new ablation technology, called the HALO system can remove a thin layer of diseased tissue and allow the re-growth of normal cells without injuring the underlying tissue. The ablation procedure, which typically takes less than half an hour, is performed without incisions using conscious sedation in an outpatient setting in our new G.I. Center at Placentia-Linda Hospital. Using a catheter, the physician directs the HALO System down the throat to the diseased area of the esophagus. The HALO energy generator is activated to deliver a short burst of ablative energy, which removes a very thin layer of the diseased esophagus.
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Medication
Medications such as H2 receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors, which reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach, may be prescribed by your physician.
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Surgery
Surgery to remove damaged tissue or a section of the esophagus may be necessary. Known as fundoplication, part of the esophagus is removed and the remaining section is attached to the stomach.
Source: www.placentialinda.staywellsolutionsonline.com/library/encyclopedia Online Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/barretts/
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