A new outpatient procedure allows doctors to remove pre-cancerous tissue in the esophageal lining
The Department of Gastroenterology at La Peer Health Systems in Beverly Hills is proud to offer an innovative new treatment for Barrett’s esophagus, a disorder of the esophageal lining that can lead to esophageal cancer.
“We’re very excited to be able to offer this revolutionary treatment for Barrett’s esophagus,” says Dr. Siamak Tabib, a board-certified gastroenterologist at La Peer and specialist in disease prevention. “Eradicating this condition early can prevent patients from developing esophageal cancer later in life.”
Recently spotlighted in a New England Journal of Medicine article, the treatment utilizes the HALO System’s endoscopic radiofrequency ablation therapy to remove the pre-cancerous esophageal lining. Doing this may prevent patients from developing a fast-killing form of cancer known as esophageal adenocarcinoma. Studies suggest that people with Barrett’s disease are 40-130 times more likely to develop esophageal cancer than the general population.
According to Dr. Tabib, Barrett’s disease develops as a result of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which exposes the esophagus to a constant barrage of acid from the stomach. Over time, the acid can prompt the esophageal cells to undergo a genetic change, becoming pre-cancerous in some cases.
“Ablation therapy works by destroying the abnormal lining of the esophagus,” says La Peer’s Dr. Arash Ari Nowain, who is double board-certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine. “Once the abnormal tissue is gone, new, healthy tissue can grow back in its place. Research suggests that this is an incredibly effective means of preventing esophageal cancer in people with Barrett’s disease.”
During ablation therapy, the doctors at La Peer will utilize a Halo Ablation Catheter to direct ablative energy at the pre-cancerous esophageal tissue. Performed on an outpatient basis, the procedure lasts just 30 minutes and requires no surgery or incisions.
Although ablation therapy is not a new procedure for treating Barrett’s disease, previous technologies made it difficult to target the unhealthy tissue without injuring nearby healthy esophageal cells. One of the benefits of the HALO System is that it offers doctors more control and precision in treating Barrett’s disease.
The procedure offers new hope for Barrett’s esophagus sufferers, who were previously told to “wait and see” while doctors monitored their condition for signs of cancer. Because it can be difficult to diagnose esophageal cancer in its early stages, the disease has a five-year survival rate of just 16 percent.
If you think you may be suffering from chronic heartburn of GERD, or if you are interested in learning more about this exciting treatment for Barrett’s disease, feel free to contact La Peer’s Department of Gastroenterology for a consultation.
La Peer Health Systems is an outpatient surgery center in Beverly Hills, founded by doctors and focused on providing excellent patient care alongside the most cutting-edge medical treatments available. With 40 world-renowned physicians in 13 specialties, we offer comprehensive medical treatment that takes patients from consultation to diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and ultimately aftercare. Our 13 medical departments include orthopedics & sports medicine, gastroenterology, head & neck surgery, colorectal & general surgery, podiatry, ophthalmology, pain management, plastics & reconstructive surgery, gynecology, spine surgery, interventional cardiology, bariatric surgery, and anesthesiology. Unlike large hospitals, La Peer’s unique structure offers extremely personal care in a safe and controlled environment. More information about La Peer Health Systems can be found at LaPeerHealth.com.
Risa Luksa
La Peer Health Systems
310-360-9119
