English doctor Barrett first described this condition in 1953. Gastroenterologist and liver doctor Alaa Alkhalaf: “People who often suffer from heartburn can develop Barrett’s esophagus. The cause is often lifestyle. Alaa: ‘Due to obesity, eating habits or a ruptured diaphragm, stomach acid can enter the esophagus more often. As a doctor, therefore, first give advice on lifestyle. less, no large meals just before bed, do not smoke and avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Your doctor may also prescribe gastric acid inhibitors. ‘
Preliminary phase
If someone continues to suffer from heartburn despite antacids, the family doctor may see an MDL doctor for an endoscopy. Alaa: ‘Only with an endoscopy can you see if there is inflammation in the esophagus and / or if someone has Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus usually feels calm, but if I see there is an abnormality, I remove that piece of tissue from the esophagus. The pathologist examines the tissue and if it turns out that there are problem cells in the middle, in other words a precancerous stage of cancer, then I can burn these cells with heat treatment (radiofrequency ablation – RFA). Due to the scar that has been created, the original mucosa is restored and Barrett is no longer visible. The risk of esophageal cancer is as small as in people who do not have Barrett’s esophagus. ‘
Control trajectory
By regularly checking people with Barrett’s esophagus, you can almost always prevent someone from developing esophageal cancer. Alaa: ‘It’s relatively easy to remove problem cells that may be a precursor to cancer. If the cells are already in the muscles of the esophagus, more extensive treatment is needed, such as chemotherapy and sometimes a complicated operation. If the cancer has spread, the chances of survival are reduced. Sometimes we see that the disturbed cells are deep in the mucous membrane. Then, after the cancer is removed and Barrett’s esophagus burned, an extensive control process follows. We work in a passionate Barrett team with a pathologist, a Barrett nurse, a medical assistant (PA), an oncologist, a surgeon and myself. This means the best possible care for our patients. ‘
