Why is this procedure done?
Esophageal ablation is a way to treat the abnormal cells that go along with Barretts esophagus. Your esophagus is a tube which passes food from the mouth to the stomach. Sometimes, normal cells in the lower part of the esophagus change to a different kind of cell. This is called Barrett's esophagus. These abnormal cells could turn into precancer or cancer of the esophagus. ‚
One way to treat these cells is esophageal ablation. After you are sedated, your doctor will use an electrode and heat to destroy cells that are not normal in your esophagus. The healthy cells are not damaged. ‚
What will the results be?
The doctor will be able to get rid of the cells that are not normal. Healthy cells grow back in their place. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription, over the counter, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor if you have any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are: Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- X-rays
- MRI scan
- Ultrasound
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- Your doctor will spray a drug in your throat to numb the area.
- You will be asked to lie on your left side. The staff may put a small tube in your nose to help you breathe. Your doctor may place a tool in your mouth to keep it open during the procedure. The staff will place a dental suction tool in your mouth to lessen saliva flow.
- The doctor will put a special scope in your mouth and down your food pipe. It is a long, thin tube with lights and a small camera. It sends images to a screen in the operating room where the camera is being used. Your doctor may ask you to swallow to help the scope pass through your throat.
- A small catheter with a balloon at the end is passed alongside of the scope. The balloon has electrodes in it. When the balloon is in the right place, the balloon is inflated and heat is used to destroy the abnormal cells.
- The balloon and scope are both taken out of your throat.
- The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
You will go to a Recovery Room where you will be watched closely. Sometimes, you will be able to go home from there. Other times, you will have to spend the night in the hospital. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Relieve heartburn
- Prevent reflux
- Lessen acid production
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Hole in the esophagus
- Narrowing of the esophagus
Where can I learn more?
National Institute of Health ‚
http://www.cc.nih.gov/drd/rfa/pdf/patients.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚