What is Barrett's ablation?
Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may develop a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, where the lining of the esophagus changes to be more similar to the lining of the small intestine. A small but notable percentage of patients with Barrett’s esophagus will experience precancerous changes in their esophageal tissue, which if not addressed could progress into esophageal cancer. Barrett’s ablation uses radiofrequency energy to burn away pre-cancerous cells in the lining of the esophagus. If you or a loved one has Barrett’s esophagus in Phoenix, AZ, then it is important for you to partner with a gastroenterologist to monitor your condition. To locate an expert GI provider through Arizona Digestive Health, contact our team to request a consultation.
Who are the candidates for Barrett's ablation?
The candidates for Barrett’s ablation are patients with Barrett’s esophagus who are experiencing pre-cancerous changes in their esophageal tissue. Not all patients with Barrett’s esophagus will require ablation, but those with an advanced form of the disease now have a more definitive treatment option. If you or someone you love is diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus, it’s important for you to be monitored by an expert gastroenterologist. Contact Arizona Digestive Health to schedule a consultation and find out if your condition calls for Barrett’s ablation. We have providers who monitor Barrett’s esophagus in Phoenix, AZ.
How is Barrett's ablation performed?
Barrett’s ablation is performed during an upper endoscopy. This procedure uses an endoscope (flexible tube with a small camera at the end) to examine the esophagus and stomach. Once the abnormal, pre-cancerous tissues are identified, the doctor delivers the radiofrequency energy to the diseased lining of the esophagus. The procedure generally takes less than an hour. Over the next few days, the abnormal tissue sloughs off. You may require more than one session to completely eradicate the pre-cancerous tissue. After a session, your gastroenterologist in Phoenix, AZ will monitor your healing progress through several follow-up appointments. If you have further questions about prep and recovery for Barrett’s ablation, please consult your provider at Arizona Digestive Health.
