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Treatment for Barrett’s Esophagus Baptist’s GI Lab uses the HALO 360 Ablation Therapy System to treat Barrett’s Esophagus (BE), a pre-cancerous condition associated with chronic gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD. Barrett's esophagus is caused by the long-term exposure of the esophagus to acid reflux associated with GERD. Over time, the stomach acid injures the lining of the esophagus and creates a change in the tissue. This change is Barrett's esophagus. The HALO device removes the diseased esophageal lining that, untreated, may develop into esophageal cancer. Traditionally, treatment for Barrett’s esophagus has been careful watching and waiting. The HALO procedure is done on an outpatient basis, and usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. The procedure is done endoscopically. An endoscope is a tube-shaped device with a fiber optic light and camera attached on the end. It is used to visually examine hollow organs, such as the esophagus. After the patient is sedated, the physician inserts the endoscope through the patient’s mouth into the esophagus, so no incisions are necessary. To remove the diseased tissue, the physician uses the endoscope to insert a catheter that generates a short—less than one second long—burst of high energy. This burns away a microscopic layer of the esophagus around its entire circumference. New, healthy tissue replaces the removed Barrett’s tissue in three to four weeks for most patients. Following the procedure, patients resume medications for acid suppression. In the most recent study of long-term results, 98.4% of patients with Barrett’s esophagus treated with the HALO Ablation System have no residual Barrett’s esophagus tissue after a follow up period of more than two and a half years. |
