Barrett’s Esophagus

Barrett’s Esophagus

WHAT IS BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS?

The esophagus is the muscular tube that carries food and saliva from the mouth to the stomach. Barrett’s esophagus is a condition resulting from ongoing irritation of the esophagus where its normal lining is replaced by the type of lining that is normally found in the stomach. Patients with Barrett’s esophagus lack symptoms that are noticeably different from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the underlying irritation in most cases.

WHO SHOULD BE SCREENED FOR BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS

Though opinions vary, patients who are between 35 to 50 years or older who have had at least five years of GERD symptoms (heartburn) should undergo a one-time endoscopy to exclude Barrett’s esophagus. The condition is especially prevalent among middle-aged Caucasian men who have had heartburn for years. If the first screening is normal, there is typically no need to repeat it.

HOW IS BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS DIAGNOSED

Barrett’s esophagus is discovered when physicians view the abnormal lining of the esophagus with a special instrument (endoscope) and sample a piece of tissue (biopsy) that is evaluated under a microscope by a pathologist, preferably specializing in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

An endoscopy procedure uses a small tube with a camera inside that is inserted through the mouth and into the esophagus allowing the physician can also take a sample, or biopsy. This biopsy will be interpreted by a surgical pathologist, preferably one with subspecialty training in gastrointestinal pathology, who can confirm the diagnosis and determine whether dysplasia, a pre-cancerous change, or cancer is present.

HOW IS BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS TREATED

Since Barrett’s esophagus is related to GERD, medications are given to treat the reflux symptoms. Acid suppression is the mainstay of therapy, and patients may need to be on proton pump inhibitor medication for years. If dysplasia or cancer is present, surgery or topical therapy may be indicated. The type of surgery varies, ranging from laser ablation to surgical excision.

Patients with Barrett’s esophagus are typically put on a surveillance program. Random or directed biopsies of the mucosa are evaluated by the gastrointestinal pathologist to exclude the presence of dysplasia or cancer.

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" I have been having my endoscopy with Dr. Kamath for the past 4 years. I would recommend anyone to have their procedures done at this facility. The staff is professional, loving and efficient. Everyone knows what they are doing so there’s no confusion. Dr. Kamath greets me with a smile each time I’ve met him and handled my visits to his office like I’m a human being and never a number. The facility is clean . Smells and looks great and my favorite of all is… I never wait long. The office gives you an appointment, and they take you on time. I’ll go to dr Kamath and recommend him always."
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Our Locations

Bay Area Endoscopy and Surgery Center
5771 49th St North
St. Petersburg, FL 33709
Tel: (727) 528-2261 

Florida Digestive Specialists
5651 49th Street
St. Petersburg, FL 33709
Tel: (727) 443-4299   Fax: (727) 443-0255

Our Hospitals

Northside Hospital
6000 49th Street North
St. Petersburg, FL 33709
Tel: (727) 521-5158

St. Petersburg General Hospital
6500 38th Ave North
St Petersburg, FL 33710
Tel: (727) 461-8057