Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency Ablation and Cryoablation Treatment
Patients with Barrett’s oesophagus or early oesophageal neoplasia may be offered a choice between or a combination of radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation treatments to minimise the symptoms of the conditions.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is usually used to treat Barrett’s Oesophagus and is a form of endoscopic therapy. Either a balloon or rectangular pad is attached to the tip of the endoscope and through this an array of alternating electrodes deliver radiofrequency energy and this heats the lining of the oesophagus and destroys the unwanted tissue. The lining usually heals naturally leaving no trace of Barrett’s Oesophagus.
Once the procedure is carried out patients need to modify their diet to liquid then soft foods before returning to their normal diet. The timescales involved will be set by your doctor, but it should be no more than a week before you can return to your regular diet in normal circumstances. Some patients require more than one session of RFA for complete treatment.
Cryoablation
Cryoablation is a minimally invasive alternative to RFA which uses cold to freeze and kill abnormal cells or tissue. It is used to treat Barrett’s oesophagus and abnormal cells formed in oesophageal cancer. It is performed via endoscopy and usually involve the use of liquid nitrogen passed through the endoscope to the effected tissue, freezing and destroying it. Several sessions of cryoablation are usually needed to complete the treatment.
Cryoablation is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for many oesophageal lesions and each session usually lasts a maximum of 45 minutes. After each session you may need to follow a modified diet for several days, which will be fully explained by your medical team.
Which Therapy is Right for Me?
Dependent on your condition and your general health, one or the other of these therapies may be recommended. Some patients may have both, but this is less common. In either instance, several sessions is often required to fully remove the lesions or changed cells in the oesophagus.
Once you arrange a consultation with Dr Haidry you can discuss your options and the team will help you make the right decision for your circumstances. You may find you need an initial explorative endoscopy to get a better understanding of your condition and symptoms before making a decision about further therapies.
Book your appointment today to discuss your options and find the right solution for your circumstances and see your symptoms and condition improve.
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