About Ablation for Barrett’s Esophagus

Ablation for Barrett’s esophagus provides effective, long-term symptom management and helps avoid potential complications, like cancer. At Stanford, we offer several types of ablation therapies based on your treatment plan and specific needs. 

Ablation destroys damaged esophageal cells and prevents further progression of Barrett’s esophagus. Each type of ablation treatment uses heat or cold energy to precisely target precancerous esophageal cells while helping preserve your body’s healthy esophageal tissue. 

Your doctors offer treatment with a minimally invasive procedure using a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope. The doctor passes the endoscope through your mouth to access the interior of your esophagus and perform ablation on damaged cells.

We specialize in radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation. Our doctors helped pioneer some of the first cryoablation treatments for Barrett’s esophagus, giving us years of expertise using this procedure. 

For people with more advanced disease, we also specialize in endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection. These procedures allow tailored removal of affected tissue via a minimally invasive endoscopic approach. 

For people with Barrett’s esophagus that is too advanced for endoscopic ablation or resection, our thoracic surgery group offers innovative options for surgical care.