With the change in season we have the opportunity to reevaluate our patients as they seek flu shots and treatment for seasonal allergies. We now offer esophageal ablation for select patient’s with gastroesophageal reflux disease disease and Barrett’s esophagus. The Barrx system allows for cauterization of Barrett’s or columnar epithelium and then reepithelialization of normal squamous mucousa.
As you know, 20% of people complain of reflux at least once a week. The American College of Physician guidelines recommends endoscopy in patients with new onset dyspepsia or reflux after the age of 50. Endoscopy should be considered in Caucasian males over the age of 40 who have had reflux symptoms for over 10 years. About 10% of patients with reflux develop Barrett’s esophagus. They have a 30-40 fold risk of developing adenocarcinoma. Because of this risk endoscopic surveillance is performed every 3 years unless dysplasia is found. Twenty five to forty percent of patient’s with untreated high grade dysplasia develop cancer within 5 years. Barrx provides an opportunity to intervene when Barrett’s esophagus occurs. It is a proactive approach to the previous traditional approach of surveillance. Select patients benefit from this procedure and we are proud to offer this technology in our area for your patients.
