Importance of early diagnosis and treatment of Barrett's esophagus

Barrett's esophagus is an abnormal change in the cells located in the lower esophagus, being one of the risk factors, directly related to esophageal cancer .

The importance in the diagnosis and the early treatment of this disease is to be able to detect if we are before an esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Collectives at increased risk of Barrett's esophagus

The risk factors associated with Barrett's esophagus are: 

• Advanced age 
• Male sex 
• White race 
• Obesity 
• Presence of pathological symptoms due to chronic gastroesophageal reflux 

Occasionally, however, Barrett's esophagus may occur even in the absence of these symptoms.

Treatment of Barrett's esophagus

Radiofrequency endoscopic ablation consists of the application of energy through bipolar electrodes, achieving a rapid heating of the treated tissue to an established and reproducible depth.

Usually this endoscopic procedure is performed by a specialist in the Digestive System on an outpatient basis and with deep anesthesia.

The possibility that the disease returns once the treatment is performed is much lower compared to other ablation techniques that do not guarantee the same safety.

It is an effective and safe technique that can decrease the progression of dysplasia and cancer by a considerable percentage.

Cases where endoscopic radiofrequency ablation is recommended

Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation to treat the Barrett's esophagus is indicated if there is presence of dysplasia and depending on the depth of involvement. In fact, the implementation of this technique has been preceded by a large amount of scientific evidence to support its results.

Advantages of endoscopic radiofrequency ablation to treat Barrett's esophagus

One of the advantages of endoscopic radiofrequency ablation in patients with dysplasia at risk of developing esophageal cancer is the low rate of complications associated with standard treatment, esophagectomy , consisting of extracting the proportion of the esophagus affected by surgery .