Receiving a diagnosis of Barrett’s Oesophagus can be worrying, and I understand completely. This condition, often developing after long-term chronic heartburn or GORD, involves changes to the cells lining your oesophagus. While Barrett’s itself isn’t cancer, it’s known as a precancerous condition, meaning it increases the long-term risk of developing a specific type of cancer called oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
But there’s good news: With early detection, careful monitoring, and proactive Barrett’s Oesophagus treatment, you can take control of the condition and significantly lower your risk of cancer progression. At Precision Upper GI Surgery, as an experienced specialist, I blend leading-edge diagnostic and treatment methods with genuine, compassionate care. I partner with you every step of the way to protect your oesophageal health.
Often, Barrett’s Oesophagus doesn’t cause symptoms beyond those you might already associate with GORD – things like persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or food coming back up (regurgitation).
Importantly, some people have no symptoms at all. This is why getting evaluated is so important, especially if you have long-term GORD symptoms or other known risk factors. Please don’t wait for symptoms to potentially worsen. The definitive way to diagnose Barrett’s Oesophagus is with an upper endoscopy. During this comfortable, minimally invasive procedure, I use a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light (an endoscope) to get a clear view of your oesophageal lining.
During the exam, small tissue samples (biopsies) are painlessly collected and sent to a lab. Analysing these samples under a microscope confirms if Barrett’s cells are present and, critically, checks for any precancerous changes known as dysplasia. An early, precise diagnosis is the foundation for effective management and cancer prevention.
The management algorithm for Barrett’s Oesophagus is tailored based on individual patient factors and, critically, the histological findings, particularly the presence and grade of dysplasia.
My comprehensive approach involves optimal GORD control, structured endoscopic surveillance protocols, and targeted intervention for dysplasia aimed at preventing progression to adenocarcinoma. Depending on your specific clinical and histological assessment, your personalised management plan may incorporate the following:
Simple, practical changes often make a big difference in controlling acid reflux. I’ll work with you on dietary modifications (like identifying and avoiding trigger foods), reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, strategies like elevating the head of your bed, and quitting tobacco if you smoke. These steps directly reduce the oesophagus’s exposure to damaging acid.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are highly effective medications frequently prescribed to significantly reduce stomach acid production. Controlling acid helps manage GORD symptoms and can prevent further injury to the oesophageal lining.
When biopsies show dysplasia (precancerous cells), I often turn to advanced, minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. These techniques, performed right here by myself, remove or destroy the abnormal tissue without the need for major surgery, playing a vital role in preventing oesophageal cancer. I offer state-of-the-art options, including:
Uses precisely controlled heat energy delivered through the endoscope to eliminate the abnormal Barrett's tissue.
Allows me to lift and remove specific, targeted areas of abnormal tissue or even very early-stage cancers using specialised tools passed through the endoscope.
Uses extreme cold delivered endoscopically to freeze and destroy abnormal cells. I will thoroughly discuss which endoscopic therapy is the most appropriate and effective for your specific situation.
In certain cases, such as high-grade dysplasia that can’t be fully managed with endoscopic techniques, or if early-stage oesophageal caner is confirmed, surgical removal of part or all of the oesophagus may be recommended. This is typically reserved for specific, complex situations.
Successfully managing Barrett’s Oesophagus demands specialised knowledge, the latest technology, and a truly dedicated, compassionate approach. Choosing Precision Upper GI Surgery means you’re partnering with an expert deeply committed to your long-term health and peace of mind:
As a board-certified gastroenterologist, I possess extensive, focused experience in accurately diagnosing, monitoring, and treating the full spectrum of Barrett's Oesophagus – from cases without dysplasia to complex presentations requiring advanced endoscopic intervention.
I invest in the latest high-definition diagnostic equipment and offer the most advanced, minimally invasive endoscopic procedures available. This ensures you receive the most effective and least disruptive Barrett's Oesophagus treatment possible.
You are not just a diagnosis. I listen carefully to your concerns, understand your goals, and work collaboratively with you to create a tailored surveillance and treatment strategy that fits your specific condition and lifestyle.
My primary goal is proactive oesophageal cancer prevention. I achieve this through meticulous, regular monitoring and timely, appropriate interventions based on your individual risk level.
I believe in clear communication, patient education, and genuine partnership. My team fosters an empathetic, supportive environment where your questions are always welcomed, your concerns are truly heard, and you feel informed and empowered in your healthcare decisions.
As a board-certified gastroenterologist, I possess extensive, focused experience in accurately diagnosing, monitoring, and treating the full spectrum of Barrett's Oesophagus – from cases without dysplasia to complex presentations requiring advanced endoscopic intervention.
I invest in the latest high-definition diagnostic equipment and offer the most advanced, minimally invasive endoscopic procedures available. This ensures you receive the most effective and least disruptive Barrett's Oesophagus treatment possible.
You are not just a diagnosis. I listen carefully to your concerns, understand your goals, and work collaboratively with you to create a tailored surveillance and treatment strategy that fits your specific condition and lifestyle.
My primary goal is proactive oesophageal cancer prevention. I achieve this through meticulous, regular monitoring and timely, appropriate interventions based on your individual risk level.
I believe in clear communication, patient education, and genuine partnership. My team fosters an empathetic, supportive environment where your questions are always welcomed, your concerns are truly heard, and you feel informed and empowered in your healthcare decisions.
Barrett’s Oesophagus is a condition where the cells lining the oesophagus change, often due to chronic acid reflux (GORD). While not cancer, it is considered a precancerous condition as it increases the long-term risk of developing oesophageal adenocarcinoma.
The definitive diagnosis is made with an upper endoscopy. During this procedure, a specialist like myself uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to view the oesophageal lining, and small tissue samples (biopsies) are taken and analysed for Barrett’s cells and precancerous changes (dysplasia).
The content discusses managing and treating Barrett’s Oesophagus, focusing on controlling acid reflux, monitoring through surveillance endoscopies, and treating dysplasia to prevent cancer progression. While not explicitly stating a “cure,” it emphasises managing the condition and reducing the risk of cancer.
Treatment depends on the presence and grade of dysplasia. Options discussed include lifestyle adjustments, medication (like PPIs), and advanced endoscopic therapies such as Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR), and Cryotherapy. Surgery may be considered in certain complex cases.
The content mentions explaining how these procedures work and their benefits, such as being minimally invasive with high success rates for dysplasia. Potential side effects of ablation techniques are also a topic of discussion. Your specialist will discuss the most appropriate therapy for your situation.
Regular surveillance endoscopies are important for patients with Barrett’s Oesophagus, particularly for monitoring those without dysplasia or with low-grade dysplasia. The frequency varies and is debated.
Making lifestyle adjustments can significantly help control acid reflux. This includes dietary modifications (avoiding trigger foods), maintaining a healthy weight, elevating the head of the bed, and quitting smoking. These steps reduce the oesophagus’s exposure to damaging acid.
No, Barrett’s Oesophagus itself is not cancer. However, it is considered a precancerous condition because it increases the long-term risk of developing oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Early detection, monitoring, and treatment of any precancerous changes (dysplasia) are crucial for prevention.
A Barrett’s Oesophagus diagnosis is a call to action for your health, not a cause for alarm. With expert guidance from myself, Dr Manju, and a personalised management plan, you can confidently navigate this condition and safeguard your future well-being. Take the first step towards peace of mind. Contact the specialists at Precision Upper GI Surgery today to discuss your expert Barrett’s Oesophagus treatment and care.
Precision Upper GI Surgery, your trusted provider for Upper GI procedures in Sydney, NSW. Led by Dr Manju, our team is dedicated to offering a range of services to support patients’ journey towards excellent health.
Bankstown Hospital Medical Centre
Suite 101, 68 Eldridge Road
Bankstown, NSW 2200
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 17:00
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