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BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS TREATMENT OPTIONS REFLUX TESTING AND TREATMENT

A combination of options, including symptom 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. 

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.

Man and woman look at clipboard while doctor types on computer.

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RFA

OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS

Depending on the stage of your Barrett's esophagus, your doctor will likely recommend surveillance, or endoscopic therapy such as radiofrequency ablation, argon plasma coagulation, cryotherapy, endoscopic mucosal resection, or endoscopic submucosal dissection. 

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.

1

Shaheen NJ, Sharma P, Overholt BF, et al. Radiofrequency ablation in Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia. N Engl J Med 2009;360:2277-88

2

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

3

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