Causes
How We Can Help You
Barrett’s esophagus is a serious, long-term complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This precancerous condition results from irritation in the esophagus that develops after persistent contact with stomach acid. Barrett’s esophagus presents a diagnostic challenge because many people do not experience symptoms of the condition.
At Stanford, we’re committed to helping you avoid gastrointestinal complications like Barrett’s esophagus. Experts from several gastrointestinal specialties work together to quickly diagnose the condition and develop an effective, personalized treatment plan to help your body heal.
What We Offer You For Barrett’s Esophagus
- Expert care from board-certified doctors with years of experience treating people who have Barrett’s esophagus.
- Multispecialty approach brings together gastrointestinal and thoracic (chest) specialists to tailor care to your precise needs.
- Unrivaled surgical expertise from board-certified thoracic surgeons, if your best options for treatment include esophageal surgery.
- Innovative treatment options using the latest technologies available, including many that are not offered at other health care centers.
- Minimally invasive techniques for endoscopic and surgical treatments to help manage and prevent the complications of Barrett’s esophagus.
- Easy access to our doctors, diagnostic testing, and treatment services through two convenient locations.
Treatment for Barrett’s Esophagus
For people with Barrett’s esophagus, early treatment can mean the difference between good health and a decreased quality of life.
At Stanford, our goal is to diagnose Barrett’s esophagus as early as possible to begin immediate treatment and avoid complications. We quickly and accurately diagnose the precancerous cells of Barrett’s esophagus using endoscopes with advanced imaging capabilities.
Our specialists work hard to develop a treatment plan that brings you the best possible results. We offer several minimally invasive treatment options to help you get back to better health.
We work hard to optimize your treatment results and limit complications of Barrett’s esophagus.
Medication
Certain medications are sometimes enough to stop symptoms of Barrett’s esophagus that result from acid reflux. Your doctor can help you determine if medication is a good treatment choice for you. You may need one or more of these medications:
- Antacids to help neutralize stomach acid
- H2 blockers to stimulate certain cells in the stomach to produce acid
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid
Surgery
If surgery is your best option for Barrett’s esophagus, our surgeons use minimally invasive surgical techniques to provide effective treatment. Our surgeons are experienced in advanced methods such as esophagus mucosal resection (EMR). This procedure removes diseased portions of your esophagus and surrounding lymph nodes. We use the least invasive approach possible when planning the procedure.
Endoscopy
Our experts specialize in a variety of minimally invasive endoscopic procedures to effectively evaluate, diagnose, and treat Barrett’s esophagus. We often use these endoscopic therapies treat the condition:
- High-resolution endoscopy with advanced optics: Using advanced optics and the newest endoscopes, we view and evaluate Barrett’s change in the esophagus.
- Confocal endomicroscopy: Our doctors combine this procedure with endoscopy to view the esophageal tissue at a microscopic level, allowing more precise biopsies for successful Barrett’s surveillance.
- Ablation for esophagus disorders: Our ablation techniques include several procedures using hot or cold energy to safely remove precancerous cells from your esophagus.
- Endoscopic mucosal and submucosal dissection: This procedure removes large areas of damaged tissue from the lining of your esophagus while helping preserve its function.
Laparoscopy
Your doctor may recommend minimally invasive procedures using laparoscopy to treat Barrett’s esophagus. In a laparoscopic procedure, your doctor makes a small incision to access the interior of your abdomen. The doctor then performs the treatment using a narrow, lighted tube and specialized surgical instruments.
Laparoscopic procedures that we may suggest include:
- Nissen fundoplication: This procedure can help prevent gastroesophageal reflux in certain cases. During a Nissen procedure, the doctor tightens your esophagus thorough several small abdominal incisions.
- Gastric bypass: For some people, reducing the size of the stomach can help lower the amount of stomach acid the esophagus is exposed to, preventing further damage.
Clinical Trials
We offer one of the nation’s most robust clinical trial programs for Barrett’s esophagus. These research studies evaluate new medical approaches, devices, drugs, and other treatments.
Open trials refer to studies currently recruiting participants or that may recruit participants in the near future. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but similar studies may open in the future.
To learn more about the clinical trials we offer, contact Divya Pathak at 650-721-8436.
What is Barrett’s Esophagus?
Our Clinics
Stanford’s multispecialty clinic combines doctors with decades of experience and expertise and the latest technological advancements for diagnosing and treating Barrett’s esophagus. We design an individualized treatment plan based on the condition and unique medical needs.
420 Broadway Street, Pavilion D, 2nd Floor
420 Broadway Street, Pavilion D, 2nd Floor Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: 650-736-5555 Getting Here
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To schedule an appointment, please call: 650-736-5555