Barrett’s Esophagus, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

This book describes Barrett’s Esophagus, Diagnosis and Treatment and Related Diseases
Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) is a disorder in which the esophagus lining is injured by stomach acid.
Barrett’s Esophagus is described as an esophagus in which any segment of the normal distal squamous epithelial lining has been substituted by metaplastic columnar epithelium.
This is clearly seen endoscopically (>1 cm) above the gastro-esophageal junction and validated histopathologically from esophageal biopsies
People with BE have a higher risk for cancer in the area affected. Cancer is not frequent.
It is often subdivided into short-segment (less than 3 cm) or long-segment (more than 3 cm)
Causes
Barrett's esophagus occurs from chronic gastro-esophageal reflux.
The metaplastic columnar epithelium is at danger of rising stages of dysplasia resulting in invasive adenocarcinoma of the esophagus
The risk rises with longer period of time and raised frequency of gastro-esophageal symptoms.
Hiatus hernia is a danger factor and the size of the hernia is linked with the length of Barrett's esophagus
Some studies suggest a higher incidence of obesity, smoking and alcohol intake.
Risk factors for transformation to adenocarcinoma are:
1.Male gender,
2.Increasing age,
3.Extended segment (>8 cm) disease,
4.Intestinal metaplasia,
5.Duration of reflux history,
6.Early age of onset of GERD,
7.Duodeno-gastro-esophageal reflux,
8.Mucosal damage (ulceration and stricture) and
9.Family history
Symptoms
BE itself does not produce symptoms.
The acid reflux that produces Barrett’s Esophagus often results in symptoms of heartburn.
Diagnosis
The patient may require an endoscopy if GERD symptoms are severe or come back after treatment.
During the endoscopy, the doctor may obtain tissue samples from different parts of the food pipe to help diagnose the disorder.
They also help look for tissue alterations that could result in cancer.
The diagnosis of Barrett’s Esophagus needs biopsy verification of specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) in the esophagus
When high-grade dysplasia or cancer is discovered on surveillance endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is advised to evaluate for surgical removal.
Treatment
Treatment of GERD
The treatment should reduce acid reflux symptoms, and may keep BE from becoming worse.
The treatment may require lifestyle alterations and medicines such as:
1.Antacids after meals and at bedtime
2.Histamine H2 receptor blockers
3.Proton pump inhibitors
4.Avoiding alcohol and tobacco use
Lifestyle changes, medicines, and anti-reflux surgery may reduce symptoms of GERD.
Treatment of Barrett’s Esophagus
The doctor may advise surgery or other interventions to treat BE
Some of these procedures can eliminate the damaging tissue in the esophagus:
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes a special laser device, known as an esophageal balloon, together with a photosensitizer drug called Photofrin.
Other interventions utilize different types of high energy to damage the precancerous tissue.
Surgery to remove the abnormal lining
Esophageal cancers occurring in Barrett's esophagus determined by surveillance are often in the early stage and give an excellent prognosis.
When surveillance is regarded suitable, it should be done every 2-5 years, depending on the length of the involved segment and the presence of intestinal metaplasia.
The treatment of low-grade dysplasia is not obvious
It is advised that, after two pathologists have verified the diagnosis, surveillance endoscopy be done every six months.
High-grade dysplasia is linked with focusing on the presence of invasive adenocarcinoma in 30-40% of patients.
Esophagectomy is often done in severe dysplasia

TABLE OF CONTENT
Introduction
Chapter 1 Barrett’s Esophagus
Chapter 2 Causes
Chapter 3 Symptoms
Chapter 4 Diagnosis
Chapter 5 Treatment
Chapter 6 Prognosis
Chapter 7 Dysphagia
Chapter 8 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Epilogue