Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Fla., has announced it is now offering Barrett's esophagus, according to a news release.
The outpatient procedure that usually takes less than 30 minutes uses endoscopic radiofrequency ablation therapy with the HALO system to remove a layer of diseased tissue by inserting a small catheter into the throat.
''The main purpose of the ablation procedure is to ablate, or remove the abnormal lining of the esophageal,'' said Dr. Roger Orth, a gastroenterologist with Pensacola-based Gastroenterology Associates, in the release. ''The tissue then regenerates and normal tissue grows back. This eliminates or markedly reduces the chances of cancer developing. Data from studies shows that the treatment is highly effective. In fact, it looks very promising.''
Individuals with Barrett's esophagus have a 40-130 times higher incidence of developing esophageal cancer than those without the condition.
Related Articles on Barrett's Esophagus:
Gastroenterologist on the Move: Dr. Thomas Noble Joins SC's Hardeeville Medical Group
AGA Indentifies Five Treatments Physicians and Patients Should Question
UK Researchers Develop Diagnostic Test for Esophageal Cancer Using Infrared Light