Barrett’s Esophagus

Barrett’s oesophagus or Barrett’s metaplasia is a serious complication of reflux disease (GERD), which consists of a pathological change in the mucous membrane of the oesophagus. The prolonged exposure of the oesophagus and bile to the mucosa of the oesophagus with gastroesophageal reflux disease leads to its chronic inflammation and erosive-ulcerative changes, without proper treatment metaplasia.

The danger of this disease is that the degeneration of cells of the intestinal mucosa is a single process that goes through several stages sequentially with an increase in the severity of changes, and as a result can lead to the development of a malignant tumour. Therefore, many experts believe that Barrett’s oesophagus is a precancerous condition. This disease requires immediate treatment.

The leading Israeli clinic Tel Aviv Medical Clinic employs experienced professionals who have been treating complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease for more than 10 years. We use modern equipment and unique methods of therapy. Our employees annually improve their skills.

Diagnostics

In almost half the cases, the initial metaplasia of the cells of the mucous membrane of the oesophagus leads to further abnormal development (dysplasia) and, ultimately, transforms into a cancerous tumour – adenocarcinoma, the mortality rate at which reaches 90%. Therefore, if you have any symptoms of the disease, you should immediately seek qualified help to conduct a study. 

To diagnose Barrett’s oesophagus, a gastroscopy is performed with a multilevel biopsy of the sites of the altered oesophagal mucosa. The diagnosis is established only after histological examination, which confirmed pathological changes in the epithelium. Endoscopic examination and biopsy make it possible to identify the fact of cell degeneration, to determine the nature and degree of severity (metaplasia or dysplasia) and their localization. Depending on the severity of the existing changes in the mucous membrane of the oesophagus, treatment is prescribed.

Treatment

The treatment of patients with Barrett’s oesophagus is aimed at GERD therapy, against which metaplasia developed, and the prevention of oesophagal cancer. Conservative therapy is often used. In the case of ineffective drug treatment, as well as in the detection of high dysplasia, surgical intervention is necessary.