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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What They Are Saying

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Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

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james C.

Feel I was treated very well! Nice and professional staff thank you very much

Lynda E.

Everyone at the Center for Digestive Health was very friendly and professional.

marcie W.

Difficult proceedure to schedule because its not a fun one!! However, the entire experience was incredible....except the prep of course! Dr. Bakken and staff make everything so easy. Thank you so much!

Todd

First time having a procedure done here. Staff was great. Definitely will use again in the future, if needed.

Robert R.

Every person I came in contact with had a smile, was very pleasant and professional.

joann B.

The appointment was made in a timely manner. Nickoli the PA was exceptionally attentive to my husband, Tom, who was the patient. She spoke clearly and faced her when speaking ti him. She even wrote down all the instructions for him to follow. She certainly is an asset to the practice.

Yukari W.

easy to follow instructions for prep. Very comfortable office and preoperative care. Excellent bedside manner of Dr. Nandi. Highly recommend.

John P.

The entire staff from the time i set up the procedure thru completion and going home was very profesional. All staff members were very kind and courteous and answered all my questions that i had in a way i could easily understand.

Tag Up With L.

Dr. Bakken and the entire staff at CFDH were kind, professional, and felt taken care of for my first colonoscopy. Highly recommend.

Don S.

I was very pleased with my visit to this office. I got in within minutes of my appointment. I had my questions answered and was out quickly. Everyone was very pleasant.

Bob P.

Dr. Weber is excellent. Personable and friendly. His staff is reflects his caring.

J S.

First time patient at this provider. I arrived for my procedure on time and was taken to an exam/recovery room pretty quick. First time meeting Dr Quallich and he was friendly, professional and seemed very knowledgeable. All of the staff I encountered were great - personable and efficient. I was treated extremely well by all.

Debbie L.

I was impress with the way I was treated and felt so @ ease

Deb W.

The staff is amazing - Dr. Willie was wonderful. His bedside manner was pleasant, made me feel comfortable right away. Everyone from the front desk to the before surgery, after entering the surgery room and the aftercare was excellent. I never went there before and was a bit nervous but that went away immediately. I would highly recommend this office. Thank you to everyone there. Truly genuine and caring. Keep up the great work!

Nancy R.

This was my first colonoscopy, and the overall process is not pleasant no matter what you do. But, when it came to the finish line, the CDH staff was kind, courteous, and skilled which all helped to ease my anxiety to end on a positive note. Thank you!

Sharley C.

Really good experience. They were on time, couldn’t be any nicer, procedure was handled professionally and did a stellar job. No sore throat with throat scope. You’re in great hands here. I have no negatives at all Sharley Campbell

Adrienne R.

My experience was excellent from start to finish. Every person that I interacted with was very compassionate and made me feel relaxed prior to my procedure. Also, the prep was not as horrible as I have experienced in the past, which is really the worst part of the whole thing! Also, such a relief to know that everything looked great and I don’t have to go back for another 5 years. With family history, it can be very scary.

HANK W.

Very friendly and a well-oiled machine!

Anne R.

Our first visit with Dr Wille was a good one. He is pleasant, reassuring and calming. Gave us good advise. Staff was very helpful

Pam P.

The nurses,doctor, and the anesthesiologist treated me very well. I was very comfortable with the procedure. Thank you all very much

Debra R.

Easy check in. Everyone using masks and social distancing making everyone feel safe. Best sleep ever! Just wish nurses taking me on way to recovery weren't talking so loud. Great physician! I see why my PCP highly recommended her. She discusses pertinent information before and after the procedure. Nurses were great! Thorough question, history and answer timeframe and provided me with warmed gown and blanket. I will recommend this physician and facility to others.

Joan P.

Everything was perfect. I had to change my appointment due to an upcoming unexpected surgery. The receptionist truly helped to move my appointment up, able to see doctor prior to surgery. Very short wait upon arrival. A nice assistant asked a few questions prior to seeing Dr. Nandi. As always, all of my questions were answered, treated with kindness & a feeling of comfort. Thankful for my care.

Mj B.

Everyone in the office treated me with respect and dignity. From the receptionist to the Dr this was a good experience!

Carolyn Z.

Staff were pleasant and professional.

Jeffrey R.

Great knowledge and listening skills. My Doctor focuses on the medical history 1st; Which says a ton about any professional, but definitely a physician.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6261 reviews

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Phil M.

Great job! Dr Nandi is the best!

Katie T.

From the time I checked in to the prep room to going under and then coming out. Everyone is so kind and considerate of the patient’s situation.

Gerald O.

Everyone was really nice to me and before I knew it, I was out like a light and the endoscopy of my esophagus was over !!! Dr Quallich then came in and said everything looked normal and they gave me some apple juice, I got dressed and my driver took me home !!! So it was pleasant experience overall and a few days later the biopsy came back negative!!! Thank you Dr.Quallich and your nursing staff for a stress free visit in your very modern Macomb Twp. facility!!!

Sheri E.

Dr Nandi is excellent

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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