Barrett’s Radiofrequency Ablation
A Treatment for Barrett’s Esophagus in New Jersey
Barrett’s esophagus is a gastrointestinal disorder caused by long-term acid reflux. This condition causes patients to experience heartburn, chest pains, nausea, and regurgitation at an abnormally high rate. It also exposes the esophagus to an excess of stomach acid, resulting in tissue damage.
Barrett’s radiofrequency ablation is safe, minimally invasive procedure that utilizes radio waves to destroy damaged and abnormal tissue in the esophagus. The goal of this treatment is to clear room in the esophagus so that normal, healthy tissue can grow and heal the damaged parts of the throat.
A Simple, Outpatient Procedure
Radiofrequency ablation can be done the same day you arrive at the hospital. The procedure only lasts around 30 minutes and patients are free to return home afterward.
If you have ever had a routine upper endoscopy, you can expect a similar experience for this treatment. While the patient is sedated, the gastroenterologist inserts a thin camera, called an endoscope, into the esophagus. An electrode attached to the end of the endoscope will release radio waves that target and destroy the damaged tissue.
When the procedure is over, you may be prescribed medication to numb any lingering pain. Most patients complete their treatment after only one or two ablation sessions. A follow-up endoscopy is often scheduled for a few months after the treatment has concluded to ensure the esophagus is healing as expected.
