What is Barrett’s Esophagus?

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the composition of the cells lining your lower esophagus change because of repeated exposure to stomach acid. This exposure to stomach acid is most often a result of long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — a chronic regurgitation of acid from your stomach into your lower esophagus.

What are the symptoms?

Barrett’s Esophagus does not have any specific symptoms, but heartburn and acid regurgitation — the bad-tasting liquid that enters the mouth from the throat — is a common indicator of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can lead to Barrett’s esophagus.

Other signs and symptoms of GERD, Barrett’s Esophagus or esophageal cancer include:

• Trouble swallowing – Often due to the narrowing of the esophagus.
• Weight lossg – Unexpected or with loss of appetite.
• Bleedingg – Vomiting blood or passing black stools.

How common is it?

About five percent of those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) develop Barrett’s Esophagus. With Barrett’s Esophagus, there is an increase risk of developing esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer arising from Barrett’s Esophagus is the most rapidly growing type of cancer in the United States.

How is it treated?

At AdventHealth, Barrett’s Esophagus is treated using a thermal ablation technique which directly applies heat, to burn off the Barrett’s lining. No incision is required since the physician accesses the area through the esophagus itself. After the procedure, medications are prescribed to control reflux, promote healing and re-growth of the normal lining of the esophagus.

What are the benefits of thermal ablation?

The recovery time is shorter than other techniques for this procedure. It is an out patient procedure and does not require a hospital admission.

The physician treats Barrett’s Esophagus directly through the esophagus therefore no incision is required for this procedure.

Does insurance cover Barrett’s Esophagus treatment?

Most major medical insurances cover Barrett’s Esophagus treatment. Co-payments will depend on each individual coverage and health plan.

Contact us about Barrett’s Esophagus for more information, physician referral and priority scheduling.