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Barrett’s Ablation
Barrett's esophagus, a complication of long standing gastroesophageal reflux, is a known risk factor for cancer of the esophagus. The presence of dysplasia indicates advancement of the Barrett's esophagus one step closer to cancer.
Recently, a great deal of attention is focused on different options for ablation, or destruction, of the abnormal Barrett's epithelium. Some of the most common techniques involve the use of photodynamic therapy, while others use electrical coagulation. Both of these approaches suffer from imprecise depth of injury, and significant complications relating to scarring and narrowing of the esophagus are common.
A technique developed at the University of Southern California involves the use of an ultrasonic aspirator. This device removes only the diseased mucosa without disrupting important, normal layers of the esophagus below the mucosa. In this way, injury and narrowing of the esophagus is prevented. The procedure generally is accomplished in one setting, and does not require repeated applications.
When combined with an effective antireflux procedure, this may represent the ideal way to manage select patients with Barrett's esophagus.
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