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Radio frequency ablation: How it works
14 ARCHBOLD
MEDICAL CENTER
Is it really just
heartburn
?
BARRETT ’S ESOPHAGUS MIGHT LEAD TO BIGGER PROBLEMS—YET THERE’S HELP
CHANCES ARE
you have felt that
painful heat in your chest or throat. It
happens when stomach acid backs
up into your esophagus, the tube that
carries food and liquids from your
mouth to the stomach. That could be
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD),
a disorder in which stomach acid and
enzymes damage the esophageal lining,
producing symptoms such as heartburn,
vomiting and chest pain.
“Over time, this damage can result in
inflammation and changes that can alter
the cells,” said Archbold gastroenterolo-
gist Bashar Qumseya, MD, MPH. In that
case, doctors speak of Barrett’s esopha-
gus, a precancerous condition affecting
the lining of the esophagus.
How does it develop?
It is estimated that 13 percent of people
who suffer from chronic acid reflux also
have Barrett’s esophagus. If you have
GERD symptoms more than three times
per week, consult your physician.
How is it diagnosed?
A diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus
involves patients undergoing an up-
per endoscopy procedure by their
gastroenterologist.
Barrett’s esophagus tissue appears as
a different color than normal esophageal
tissue. “Normally esophageal tissue appears
pale and glossy,” Dr. Qumseya explained.
“In Barrett’s esophagus, the tissue appears
red and velvety.” If this difference is found,
the next step is a biopsy of the tissue that
is then sent to pathology for testing.
A finding of intestinal cells in the
esophagus (intestinal metaplasia) confirms
a diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus.
What is the risk associated
with Barrett’s esophagus?
Patients with Barrett’s esophagus have
an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
Don’t ignore GERD symptoms that are
persistent. They can be early signs of
Barrett’s esophagus.
How is it treated?
Barrett’s esophagus is treated with a
technique known as radio frequency
ablation (RFA).
RFA is a process in which high heat
is distributed in a controlled method
to the esophagus,” said Dr. Qumseya.
“During the procedure, the diseased
tissue is removed without damage to
the normal underlying structures.”
The treatment is performed on an
outpatient basis with no incisions
involved. If you are suffering from
persistent symptoms of acid reflux,
ask your doctor if this treatment is
right for you.
For more information on this treat-
ment, or to schedule an appointment,
call
229.227.0045
.
Bashar Qumseya, MD, MPH
Gastroenterologist
Archbold Gastroenterology Group
Barrett’s esophagus occurs when tissue is
damaged in the lining of the esophagus.
An endoscope is inserted to identify
damaged tissue.
The RFA catheter applies energy in the
form of heat to the damaged tissue.