If you think you may be suffering from Barrett’s esophagus general surgeon Dr. Elijah Mobley provides health care for residents of Glendora in Los Angeles County.
Barrett’s esophagus is generally caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Barrett’s esophagus occurs when the tissue that lines and protects the esophagus and muscular tube that connects to the mouth, then the stomach, is replaced by tissue that is comparable to the lining found surrounding the intestines.
Symptoms & Causes
Barrett’s esophagus generally has no symptoms, it is typically found in people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The symptoms of GERD may include:
- Recurrent heartburn
- Trouble swallowing food
- Less frequently, chest pain
The majority of people who have Barrett’s esophagus have no symptoms and the causes are limited to GERD.
Barrett’s esophagus is commonly found in people with GERD, most doctors recommend treating the GERD symptoms with acid reducing medications. An improvement in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms can lower the chances of developing Barrett’s Esophagus. If prescription medications are not successful in treating the GERD, then a surgical procedure may be suggested.
Endoscopic Treatment
An endoscopic treatment is available to help treat severe Barrett’s Esophagus that involves severe dysplasia and or esophageal cancer when the esophagus lining is almost completely destroyed.
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) – This procedure involves lifting up the damaged lining and injecting a medicated solution under it or applying a suction device to the damaged lining and cutting the damaged lining off. Then the lining is removed through the endoscope.
Surgery
A surgical removal of the majority of the esophagus is strongly recommended if the esophagus has severe dysplasia or cancer. The surgery should be performed relatively soon after the diagnosis. The type of surgery generally involves removing most of the esophagus. Then the general surgeon will pull a section of the stomach up into the chest area, and attach it to the remaining part of the esophagus.
General surgeon Dr. Elijah Mobley can perform general surgery to repair your esophagus and treat your Barrett’s Esophagus eliminating the symptoms and causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
