Barrett’s Esophagus
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Barrett’s Esophagus
Complete Barrett's Esophagus Treatment at the Digestive Institute of Arizona
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that occurs when chronic acid reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder or GERD) erodes the lining of the lower esophagus, causing it to change into tissue similar to that found in the small intestine. Although not cancerous, Barrett’s esophagus increases one’s chances of getting esophageal cancer. At Digestive Institute of Arizona, our team of gastroenterologists provides complete care for patients with Barrett’s Esophagus in Arizona, starting from diagnosis and monitoring, all through advanced treatment choices.
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Our goal is to give personal care and apply innovative procedures in gastroenterology for the purpose of helping people with this condition to get effective treatments to reduce complications. We have individualized Barrett’s Esophagus treatment plans for each patient based on medicine, endoscopic therapy, surgery or lifestyle adjustments that they want and may improve their quality of life.
Understanding Barrett's Esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus develops from a persistent inflammation due to refluxed acid that affects the lining of the esophagus. GERD occurs when acid produced in the stomach returns to the esophagus. Most individuals remain asymptomatic for Barrett’s esophagus at inception; therefore, regular screenings should be done on people with chronic GERD.
Treatment Approach
We individualize the way we treat Barrett’s esophagus depending on its stage. Treatment options may include:
- Treatment of GERD: Management of symptoms associated with GERD is central to managing this condition. This may involve:
- Adjusting one’s way of life: Changes in diet, weight management, stopping smoking and drinking alcohol, and sleeping with your head elevated while resting can substantially decrease acid reflux.
- Medications: The Primary medication to reduce acid production in the stomach and help heal the esophageal lining is proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
- Endoscopic Surveillance: Regular endoscopy helps track patients with Barrett's esophagus for changes occurring within esophageal cells. During an upper endoscopy, a thin, flexible camera tube is passed through your mouth to inspect the esophagus and stomach. Tissue samples (biopsies) collected during this procedure are used to evaluate dysplasia presence and grading, a precursor deviation from normal cell structures that indicate cancerous development.
- Endoscopic Ablation Techniques: Destroying the abnormal esophageal tissue in patients with severe (advanced precancerous changes) can be done using endoscopic ablation techniques. These are minimally invasive procedures that are performed during an upper endoscopy. Some of the commonest ones include:
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): RFA energy is used to warm up and destroy the abnormal tissue.
- Cryotherapy: Cells that are unusual in their growth patterns may be frozen and destroyed by extremely cold temperatures.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT): First, a light-sensitive medication is applied to the esophagus, after which it is exposed to a special range of light, thus activating it to kill off the cells targeted.
- Surgery: Severe dysplasia or esophageal cancer sometimes requires surgery. The most common procedure involves the removal of the lower part of the esophagus, followed by reconnecting to the stomach inside or below the abdomen wall.
The Digestive Institute Advantage
We at Digestive Institute of Arizona are a team of experienced gastroenterologists & Specialists committed to delivering quality care to Barrett’s Esophagus patients. We provide:
We advocate for detection and early management until the later stages and more challenging therapeutic methods suitable for each patient’s needs.
We offer state-of-the-art technology and up-to-date tools including high-definition endoscopes and progressive ablation strategies.
We understand how challenging Barrett’s esophagus can be, so we will offer you an individualized treatment plan, caring assistance and address all your worries.
Living With Barrett's Esophagus
Although there is no cure for Barrett’s esophagus, if your condition is carefully managed and you are checked regularly by a gastroenterologist, these complications can be substantially minimized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people who suffer from this disorder have no symptoms. Nevertheless, a few may encounter repeated heartburns, difficulty in swallowing, or a feeling of food stuck in one’s throat.
The number of times you will require tests depends on how serious your case is. Your gastroenterologist can advise on the appropriate screening time frames based on your individual situation.
Through effective treatment of GERD, as well as periodic monitoring, one can lower their risk of getting cancer of the esophagus.