PLACENTIA, Calif. – April 29, 2010 – Placentia-Linda Hospital is pleased to announce that we now offer a new treatment option for patients with 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 eplaced 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.  

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 HALO³⁶⁰ 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. 

The G.I. Center at Placentia-Linda Hospital is designed with your comfort in mind to perform gastroenterology procedures in a relaxed atmosphere.  Our friendly and professional staff treats you with the kindness and respect you deserve and with our advanced technology; we can help diagnose diseases and conditions of the G.I. tract.  Our specialties include:  EsophyX, Colonoscopy/Sigmoidoscopy, Colon Cancer Screening, Capsule Endoscopy, G.I. Bleed Intervention, Upper G.I. Endoscopy (EGD), ERCP and Bravo pH Monitoring.

Placentia-Linda Hospital, part of Tenet California, is a 114-bed acute care hospital located at 1301 N. Rose Drive in Placentia.  Since opening its doors in 1972, the hospital has grown into a multi-service facility.  Specialties include gastroenterology services, orthopedic and joint replacement services, Spine Center, general surgery, minimally invasive surgery, a 24-hour emergency department, Imaging Center including Open High Field MRI and all digital technology as well as a comprehensive free health program for seniors. 

Placentia-Linda employees and physicians are dedicated to providing quality health care with a personal touch.  We strive to provide our patients the best possible quality care and customer service you’ve come to expect.  Placentia-Linda is fully accredited by the Joint Commission.   To learn more about Placentia-Linda Hospital, we invite you to please visit our web site at www.placentialinda.com or call us at (714) 993-2000.