Barrett's Esophagus - Center For Digestive Health

Barrett’s Esophagus

Overview

Barrett’s esophagus is a health condition that develops when acid reflux damages the esophagus, which is the pink tube connecting the stomach to the mouth. This damage causes the lining of the esophagus to grow thicker and redden in color.

Barrett’s esophagus often develops because of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, which involves symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation of food. Barrett’s esophagus is the result of GERD symptoms leading to changes in the cells that line the lower portion of the esophagus.

Men and people with certain risk factors are more likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus. Those who have GERD or who believe they may be at risk of this condition should consult with a doctor, as Barrett’s esophagus can lead to esophageal cancer in rare cases

Applicable Procedures

24 Hour Ph Probe
EGD
EUS
Radiofrequency Ablation (previously called Halo Barrx)
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

Does Barrett’s Esophagus Mean I Will Develop Cancer?

According to the Mayo Clinic, Barrett’s esophagus does increase a person’s risk of cancer, but this does not mean that you will develop cancer with this condition. In fact, the risk of cancer is quite low, and most people with Barrett’s esophagus never develop cancer of the esophagus. That being said, it is still important to work with a doctor to monitor the condition, as precancerous cells can be treated to reduce your risk of developing esophageal cancer in the future.

Should I Be Screened For Barrett’s Esophagus?

Experts recommend a Barret’s esophagus screening for individuals with certain risk factors. For instance, men who have weekly GERD symptoms that do not improve with medications, or who have two or more risk factors, such as a family history of Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer, being over age 50, having excess abdominal fat, or being a current or former smoker, should be screened for the condition. While women are less likely to develop Barrett’s esophagus, they should be screened for it if they that uncontrolled GERD symptoms.

How Is Barrett’s Esophagus Treated?

Treatment will depend upon the severity of Barrett’s esophagus. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have no precancerous changes to the cells of your esophagus, a doctor will monitor your condition and provide treatment to manage GERD symptoms. This may include medication, lifestyle changes, and in some cases

Common Symptoms

I find that I suffer from heartburn most days, and sometimes I even feel as if I am regurgitating my food.
I sometimes have trouble swallowing food.
After living with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) for several years, I started to suffer from bouts of chest pain.

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Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

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Keith H.

friendly staff, pleasant experience,

Jim D.

This is Penny Miller. Jim Davies is my husband, and we share an email address. I am the one who had a colonoscopy on July 22, 2024, with Dr. Khan. I couldn't be more pleased with the whole experience. Dr. Khan and her staff were very friendly and went above and beyond not only to make sure I was comfortable but also answered all my questions and concerns. I will be returning in 5 years as recommended by Dr. Khan. Thank you to Dr, Khan and her staff for their kindness and making what would seem to be such an uncomfortable experience a pleasant one. Kind Regards, Penny Miller

Susan W.

Dr Nandi is outstanding and so is his entire staff. I’ve had 3 procedures done at this location and every time I’ve felt the same. Honestly, the prep is worse than the procedure.

anita M.

Service was great and everyone was family

Jeanette K.

Had a colonoscopy done here. Great communication from the staff and the whole process was well organized and efficient. Would highly recommend them. I was in and out in just 90 minutes from checking in to leaving their facility.

Gregory T.

Dr. Weber and his entire staff did a great job. I would not go anywhere else for the service that I had done.

Sharon C.

I was nervous since not having a colonoscopy and endoscopy one right after another. I was in and out in no time,the staff and Dr. Backken were very nice and comforting.I would recommend Dr.Bakken and the staff very highly. Sharon Collins

Heather K.

Friendly staff. Explains step by step about procedure and answers any questions you have.

Michele H.

I have been a patient of Dr Quallich for five year and daughter has seen...never have to wait when I have an appointment...I have have several.procedures and only once they were off schedule...ur told for procedure that ur driver must stay in the waiting room...all directions are given verbally and in writing prior to the procedure.

Dan J.

Dr Donat’s team was excellent. They kept me informed about everything related to my procedure. They were courteous, friendly, helpful, and kind throughout my time with them. I felt completely at ease and comfortable. Dr Donat took the time to speak with me afterwards to describe what he did and address next steps. Don’t hesitate to schedule your colonoscopy or other procedure with Dr Donat and his team at Troy Gastroenterology and the Center for Digestive Health.

Nancy K.

I was taken in immediately. Everyone was very friendly and professional as well as attentive.

Phil N.

Very professional and efficient. All the personnel I interacted with were pleasant, knowledgeable and professional.

Lisa P.

Staff was so friendly and explained everything very thoroughly which made me feel comfortable.

Barbara B.

Dr Quallich is personable and caring about his patients. He answered all my questions & doesn’t make a person feel like they are being rushed. I had a technical problem with the Doxy system and the office was closed so I couldn’t get any help. When Dr Quallich came on line it worked fine.

Sandra G.

Wonderful, friendly and professional staff, made me feel very comfortable. Highly recommend them!

Chris P.

Dr Nandi is great

Mark A.

From the time I entered the offices of Digestive Health I entered into the most pleasant experience. Dr Nandi and his staff were so nice and organized. I felt so comfortable in trusting Dr Nandi and his staff with my procedure. I’m very fortunate in establishing a patient doctor relationship with Dr Nandi.

Heather R.

The staff here are so professional and friendly!

Debra B.

I thought they were all really nice considerate efficient I was in taking care of and out

Dawn L.

Everyone is always friendly. Able to make an appt quickly. Very efficient. I've never waited for more than 5 to 10 minutes to be seen. Nicolette is very thorough and takes her time to explain things. I've never felt rushed. I've only ever seen Dr. Wille for my colonoscopy and he's always been very pleasant and answers all of my questions without feeling rushed. I highly recommend this office.

baselyos H.

Was procedure done easy professional way Yes

Matt Killinger K.

Everything went on time and everyone there was very kind and organized. Thank you!!

Edward B.

Very caring staff. Very efficient service with full summary following the visit.

Heather B.

Quick process. Nice staff and clean facility

Dan J.

My tele-health appointment with Dr. Donat occurred without a hitch. I received the information and advice I needed and have a positive plan to achieve the results we're both seeking. Efficient and helpful.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

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Susan V.

The staff is friendly, conscientious and attentive which makes you feel at ease.

Martha H.

Always good care,wonderful staff and dr weber is great!

Ceci G.

Staff very knowledgeable. Dr. Bakken always take time to talk to you and doesn't make you feel rushed.

Elaine C.

Very impressed with the staff throughout the whole procedure. The entire staff was very kind and professional, it was a positive experience.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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