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Cauterization Procedures for Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus, also known commonly as Barrett's syndrome, is a condition wherein the inner lining of the esophagus is replaced by irregular cells. The condition is usually found in those with gastric reflux disease. If Barrett's esophagus goes untreated, it can lead to more severe health problems, including cancer. Therefore, the surface is often ablated or cauterized---sometimes both---in order to remove damaged material and to close it off to further infection.

  1. Radiofrequency Ablation

    • Cauterization for Barrett's is a huge step from treatments of less than a decade ago, wherein part of the esophagus had to be surgically removed to combat the disease. In radiofrequency ablation, a doctor places an endoscope through the esophagus of a patient. A balloon attached to the end of the scope delivers a radiofrequency to the affected area that destroys and cauterizes the affected cells. The procedure prevents the Barrett's esophagus from developing into esophageal cancer, which is often fatal. While the procedure is not extremely invasive, it does cause pain and discomfort in the throat and stomach of an individual. Swallowing may be difficult for up to a week following radiofrequency ablation.

    Cryoablation

    • While cauterization has historically been used to remove unwanted material from a wound and burn it closed, cryoablation has the opposite effect. Instead of applying heat to the area affected by Barrett's esophagus, cryoablation actually freezes the area using liquid nitrogen. A hollow needle filled with liquid nitrogen is inserted into the esophagus, and the nitrogen is delivered to the affected site. The effect is similar to radiofrequency ablation---the affected area is frozen with the chemical and sealed. Although it is relatively new for the purposes of Barrett's syndrome, the cryoablation procedure is preferred by many doctors and has been demonstrated to be an effective procedure.

    Argon Beam Cauterization

    • One of the most common and most effective means of destroying the problems caused by Barrett's esophagus is the argon beam cauterization procedure. This procedure, although similar in many ways to the ablation procedures, differs in that it delivers a high-powered beam of argon to the affected area and cauterizes it with the heat generated. Ionized argon (a gas, unlike with other procedures) is delivered to the site using an endoscopic tube. The electrical energy delivered through the argon beam cauterizes the area and coagulates the blood to prevent bleeding. Argon beam cauterization is widely accepted by the medical community and is one of the most common treatments for Barrett's.

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