What is Radiofrequency Ablation for Barrett Esophagus

Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that can be used to treat Barrett esophagus, a condition that occurs when the tissue that lines the esophagus changes or becomes damaged.

This procedure destroys and removes diseased tissue from the esophagus by delivering radio wave energy to the affected area. Removing the abnormal tissue will help to prevent further problems from Barrett esophagus.

This procedure may need to be repeated over 1 to 3 treatment sessions for complete removal of abnormal tissue.

During this procedure, a flexible, lighted tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted down the throat and into the esophagus so that the heat energy can be delivered to the abnormal tissue.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• Bleeding.
• Infection.
• Allergic reaction to medicines.
• Damage to other structures or organs.
• Blood clot.
• Residual diseased tissue (rare).
• Narrowing of the esophagus (stricture) (rare).

What happens before the procedure?

Staying hydrated

Follow instructions from your health care provider about hydration, which may include:

• Up to 2 hours before the procedure – you may continue to drink clear liquids, such as water, clear fruit juice, black coffee, and plain tea.

Eating and drinking restrictions

Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating and drinking, which may include:

• 8 hours before the procedure – stop eating heavy meals or foods such as meat, fried foods, or fatty foods.
• 6 hours before the procedure – stop eating light meals or foods, such as toast or cereal.
• 6 hours before the procedure – stop drinking milk or drinks that contain milk.
• 2 hours before the procedure – stop drinking clear liquids.

Medicines

• Ask your health care provider about:
  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
  • Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
  • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines unless your health care provider tells you to take them.
• For several days before the procedure, you may be asked to take specific medicines that reduce acid in your stomach.

General instructions

• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. These can delay healing. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.
• Plan to have a responsible adult care for you for at least 24 hours after you leave the hospital or clinic. This is important.

What happens during the procedure?

• To reduce your risk of infection, your health care team will wash or sanitize their hands.
• An IV will be inserted into one of your veins.
• You will be given one or more of the following:
  • A medicine to help you relax (sedative).
  • A medicine to make you fall asleep (general anesthetic).
• The endoscope will be inserted through your mouth and down into your esophagus.
• The endoscope will have a balloon catheter attached to it. The balloon will be inflated to the size of your esophagus near the diseased tissue. This will help your health care provider find the diameter of the esophagus near the area to be treated.
• An ablation catheter will be inserted into your esophagus.
• The catheter will carefully and quickly deliver heat energy to areas of diseased tissue. It will take just seconds to destroy a thin layer of tissue.
• The process may be repeated for other areas of diseased tissue.
• Tissue from the area may be sent to the lab for testing (biopsy).

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until the medicines you were given have worn off.
• You will be given pain medicine as needed.
• Do not drive for 24 hours if you were given a sedative.

Summary

• Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that can be used to treat Barrett esophagus.
• This procedure destroys and removes diseased tissue from the esophagus by delivering radio wave energy to the affected area.
• Talk with your health care provider about any medicines you are taking before the procedure.
• This procedure may need to be repeated over 1 to 3 treatment sessions for complete removal of abnormal tissue.

Radiofrequency Ablation for Barrett Esophagus, Care After

This sheet gives you information about how to care for yourself after your procedure. Your health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. If you have problems or questions, contact your health care provider.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure, it is common to have:

• Some pain and discomfort in the throat.
• Difficulty swallowing for a few days. It may take 6–8 weeks for your esophagus to fully heal and form new healthy tissue.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Get plenty of rest after the procedure.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. You will be asked to take medicines that reduce stomach acid in order to help your esophagus heal faster.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions. There may be diet limitations for 3–4 days after the procedure.
• Do not drive for 24 hours if you were given a medicine to help you relax (sedative) during your procedure.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. A follow-up endoscopy may be needed 2–3 months after the procedure to see how your esophagus is healing.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You are feeling nauseated.
• You are vomiting.
• You have difficulty swallowing and it persists for more than 7 days or worsens.

Get help right away if:

• You cough up or vomit blood.
• You have severe chest or abdominal pain.
• You are having difficulty breathing.

Summary

• After the procedure, it is common to have pain and discomfort in the throat. You may also have difficulty swallowing for a few days after the procedure.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions. There may be diet limitations for 3–4 days after the procedure.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. A follow-up endoscopy may be needed 2–3 months after the procedure to see how your esophagus is healing.