| CSMC Starts New Procedure to Curb Fastest Rising Cancer in the USA
Recently, CSMC became one of the first centers in the nation to offer a new technology to treat patients with Barrett's esophagus, which is caused by the long-term exposure to acid reflux, a medical condition also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Most Americans are familiar with the annoying discomfort of heartburn and acid reflux, but most are not aware that it can lead to Barrett's esophagus. Left untreated, it can worsen over time and can even develop into esophageal cancer. This can happen because when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, the lining of the esophagus is injured. To protect itself, the esophagus may develop a different kind of lining known as Barrett's esophagus, a pre-malignant condition.
“Until recently there was no easy way of eliminating Barrett's esophagus. Patients would be monitored until problems or cancer developed and then would require surgery to remove the esophagus. That is - until now,” said Dr. Ronen Arai, gastroenterologist, CSMC.
Ablation technology has long been used to treat cancerous and precancerous conditions in other parts of the body and now ablation is being used to treat Barrett's esophagus. Ablation therapy first includes a regular endoscopy. Then a small balloon catheter is inserted into the esophagus. Once the balloon has been correctly positioned, ablative energy is delivered into the esophageal lining.
The Barrett's tissue is removed and with proper follow-up care, healthy esophageal tissue is formed as a part of the natural healing process.
There are many benefits to this innovative procedure which is performed in an outpatient setting in conjunction with standard upper endoscopy. No incisions are involved and patients are typically discharged within two hours. The procedure has been proven very effective in eliminating Barrett's which means eliminating the worry of living with a precancerous condition.
“Since this innovative procedure is quick and has minimal or no complications, patients of CSMC are showing great enthusiasm and many are already scheduled for the procedure,” Dr. Arai concluded.
For more information, please call the Broward Health Line at 954-759-7400.
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