Reflux testing and treatment
Barrett's treatment options
A combination of options, including endoscopic surveillance and radiofrequency ablation therapy may be used to manage and treat Barrett’s esophagus.
Seek treatment for Barrett's esophagus
Untreated Barrett’s may lead to esophageal adenocarcinoma, a type of esophageal cancer, so early detection and treatment is critical. If you have been diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus, ask your doctor about available treatment options.1
Disease management options for Barrett’s esophagus vary by progression of precancerous cell growth (dysplasia) in your esophagus. Speak to a gastroenterologist (GI) about your disease management options.
Surveillance
If you're in the early stages of Barrett's and have no significant risk factors for progression, your physician may recommend periodic appointments to monitor your disease. At these appointments, they will perform an endoscopy and take samples (biopsies) of the affected tissue. The frequency of surveillance may vary depending on the severity of your Barrett's esophagus and your risk factors.
Radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat to remove precancerous tissue from the esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus patients treated with radiofrequency ablation are less likely to progress to esophageal cancer compared to patients who undergo surveillance. The Barrx™ radiofrequency ablation system can reduce the relative risk of disease progression to cancer by up to 94 percent.*1-3
Risk Information: The risks of the Bravo™ reflux testing system include premature detachment, discomfort, failure to detach, failure to attach, capsule aspiration, capsule retention, tears in the mucosa, bleeding, and perforation. Endoscopic placement may present additional risks. Medical, endoscopic, or surgical intervention may be necessary to address any of these complications, should they occur. Because the capsule contains a small magnet, patients should not have an MRI study within 30 days of undergoing the Bravo™ reflux test. Please refer to the product user manual or medtronic.com/GI for detailed information.
What is Radiofrequency Ablation? - (02:02)
Learn about radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a treatment that can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer.
More information (see more)
Less information (see less)
Other treatment options
Depending on the stage of your Barrett's esophagus, your doctor may recommend surveillance, or endoscopic therapy such as radiofrequency ablation.
Barrett’s esophagus risk assessment tool
Use this resource to assess your risk for Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer.
Know more about esophageal health.
Receive helpful information and resources about chronic reflux health, esophageal diseases, and screenings.
Sign up today
Information and resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from your doctor. Always discuss diagnosis and treatment information including risks with your doctor. Keep in mind that all treatment and outcome results are specific to the individual patient. Results may vary.
94% is the calculated relative risk reduction [ (26-1.5) /26 ] = 25/26 X 100. From [25.0%(1.5% for ablation versus 26.5% for control); 95%CL, 14.1%-35.9%; P< 0.001].
Mayo Clinic - Barrett's Esophagus - Diagnosis and treatment - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/barretts-esophagus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352846.
Phoa KN, van Vilsteren FG, Pouw RE, Weusten BL, et al. Radiofrequency ablation vs endoscopic surveillance for patients with Barrett esophagus and low-grade dysplasia: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2014 Mar 26;311(12):1209–17.
Wolf WA, Pasricha S, Cotton C, et al. Incidence of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma and Causes of Mortality after Radiofrequency Ablation of Barrett's esophagus. Gastroenterology. 2015;149:1752–1761.