Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA)
Barrett’s Oesophagus can increase the risk of developing Oesophageal Cancer. Barrett’s can develop in people with chronic heartburn. If a person has persistent heartburn or has been diagnosed with GORD, then they should consider having a screening endoscopy or non-invasive test like Endosign to monitor the oesophagus for any cellular changes.
Early detection of Barrett’s Oesophagus and/or Oesophageal Cancer can significantly improve health outcomes. This is partly thanks to less invasive, non-surgical treatments which can be performed via endoscopy like Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) and Cryoablation.
What is RFA?
Barrett’s Oesophagus (B.Oes) is a ‘pre-cancerous’ condition; this means a person with B.Oes has a heightened risk (about 50 times more chance) of developing cancer in their food pipe. If you have Barrett’s Oeosphagus and are under surveillance with a specialist that is a good thing, as if there are any worrying changes to the cells (dysplasia) then these can be treated before they can progress to cancer.
The radiofrequency ablation system, used by Dr Rehan Haidry at the Cleveland Clinic, is a treatment for Barrett’s Oesophagus; it targets the abnormal cells (dysplasia) in the oesophagus without harming the healthy parts of the food pipe. RFA uses heat energy to remove the pre-cancerous tissue in the oesophagus.
RFA is a non-surgical non-invasive treatment; this means it is performed via an upper endoscopy (camera down the throat) so there are no incisions made on the patient’s torso. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes and the patient is sedated for comfort. The procedure is low risk but the person will be monitored for 1-2 hours after the procedure and then sent home the same day(the commonest side effect is a bit of a sore throat). Often patients require 2-4 sessions.
Why RFA?
RFA is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for Barrett’s Oeosphagus patients displaying the early warning signs of cancer (dysplasia) and has been used for 15 years with thousands of cases done worldwide. Dr Rehan Haidry will be able to advise if it’s right for you, depending on the stage of your condition and your general health. For more advanced cases, Cryoablation may be recommended instead (or in some cases in conjunction with RFA).
UK studies, led by Dr Haidry, and other Global studies have shown that RFA is highly effective in B.Oes and stopping progression to Oesophageal cancer and it is recommended as the ‘gold standard’ in treatment in European clinical guidelines.
Book your appointment today to discuss your options and find the right solution for your circumstances.
Barrett’s Oesophagus and Oesophageal Cancer treatments are available to private patients at the Cleveland Clinic Hospital in London.
Get In Touch
For any enquiries about conditions, tests or treatments, please feel free to call Dr Rehan Haidry’s medical secretary Debra Hyams on:
Tel: 0203 423 7609 | Email: rhaidrymedsec@ccf.org