Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses the HALO-BARRX treatment to treat Barrett’s Esophagus, by using an endoscopic ablation technique to remove the diseased lining of the esophagus.

What to Expect

After you have met with your doctor and they have recommended a radiofrequency ablation, they will explain the procedure in detail. When you arrive for the procedure, a nurse will start an IV in your arm so the CRNA can administer your sedation. You will like on your left site.

You will have your Barrx ablation during an upper endoscopy procedure. For the upper endoscopy, your doctor will use a flexible tube called a gastroscope to look at the inside of your esophagus on a television monitor. Barrx ablation uses radiofrequency energy (heat) to kill the abnormal cells. Killing these cells can prevent the tissue from turning into cancer. Once the abnormal cells are gone, new, healthy cells can replace them.

What preparation is required?

You will be asked to avoid drinking or eating anything the six hours leading up to the procedure. You can have some clear liquids until about two hours before the ablation. Your doctor will give you more specifics on preparing for the procedure.

What about my current medications?

If you are taking medications on the day of the procedure, you can take them with just enough water to swallow them, no less than 2 hours prior to your procedure. If you are taking medications to thin your blood or antiplatelet medications, you will be instructed by your physician on when to stop them prior to the procedure. Most other medications can be taken immediately following the procedure. Diabetics who take insulin will need to consult with the healthcare professional that manages diabetes medication to see what adjustments may be safe and needed.

What happens after a Radiofrequency Ablation?

Your doctor may have some restrictions for you immediately after the radiofrequency ablation. You will need to avoid driving a vehicle or operating machinery for at least 24 hours. You will be instructed to be on a liquid diet for the remainder of the day, followed by a soft diet for 1 week. You may resume your regular diet following that.

What are the possible complications of radiofrequency Ablation?

The RFA has proven to be a safe procedure, but as with any procedure there are some possible complications. Chest pain occurs in the majority of patients who are treated and generally lasts for a few days. Management with medication that will be prescribed prior to your procedure has been effective in most patients. In 1–2% of the patients, the pain has been more severe and longer lasting, and rarely, hospitalization for pain management is required. The most common delayed complication has been the development of esophageal strictures (narrowing). This is more likely to occur in patients who have had EMRs and in some areas where treatment has been overlapped. Perforations (tears in the lining of the GI tract) have occurred, but they are extremely rare and usually happened during insertion or removal of the ablation catheter.

Why do I need to drive be home?

You will need an adult who can drive you home safely following the procedure. Since you are sedated for this procedure, your reflexes may be slowed, and your judgment altered. You will be instructed to refrain from driving for the rest of the day.

Find a Location in Your Area

Find a Location

Request an Appointment

What They Are Saying



Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6238 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Debra W.

Dr. Bakken was very pleasant and efficient. I received a copy of my scope results in recovery so i did not have to wait until it was posted to an EMR. Roger, my pre-op nurse, has a great personality and was also super efficient. He made me feel comfortable about my procedure. Vickie, my CRNA, was wonderful and also made me feel comfortable. Very nice group of people.

Teresa Smith P.

Dr.Quallich is the absolute BEST!!! And the staff is awesome 😊

Curtis W.

Flawless painless experience. Staff and Physician were absolutely incredible. A perfect experience with top notch professionals. Thank you all!😇🙂😊

Richard B.

I had my endoscopy done yesterday and I was so impressed by how caring the staff was. From the minute you walk in the door to the minute I left after my procedure everybody was very professional and friendly. I was in and out in no time. Dr. Baakin is a wonderful doctor. I would highly recommend this group for any GI issues.

Bob P.

The staff at CDH were considerate, prompt and professional. No one looks forward to a colonoscopy but, the people who took care of me made it the best experience it could have been. Thank you!

Douglas M.

I received fast and efficient service. I was only disappointed with having to be poked 3 times as I have a fear of needles.

Armando R.

Very professional, friendly, and excellent communication.

sarah R.

The staff MEC was absolutely amazing, thank you so much for all you do.

Lynn Z.

Love working with this office, very efficient!!

Jimandericka R.

Comfortable, straightforward good treatment I enjoyed speaking to everyone, especially my Dr Dr. Bologna

Maria V.

Well organized. Staff very friendly. Dr. Donat very experience does an excellent job.

J L.

Dr. Bakken is INCREDIBLY thorough and professional. Probably one of the best experiences I've had with a medical professional -- she really takes her time and explores all options and possibilities as we try to figure out my mystery pain. The office is very clean, the front desk staff is nice, and I was seen very quickly by the Dr (Around 1 on a Thursday). The front desk also gave me very thorough instructions for my follow up care.

Dave A.

Great staff and location

Mike J.

Just the best overall !! Thank you

Matthew K.

Dr. Wille is a good listener and cares about his patients. He is a down to Earth person and a good communicator.

Fay S.

Care, confidence and perfection of ease for patient.

Lisa S.

The administrative staff, nurses, anesthesiologist, & Dr. Anezi Bakken made me feel comfortable and at ease during my scheduled colonoscopy. My procedure was on time & their bedside manner eased my anxiety.

Terri F.

Dr Nandi is an amazing doctor. He and his staff make the colonoscopy not so bad after all 🙂

Debbie A.

I have been here several times and have always been treated great. The receptionist are so kind and the nurses are wonderful so is the anesthesia person are so kind and answers any concerns you might have. My Dr Bologna is awesome. This is the place to go if you need endoscopy or colonoscopy. Thank all the staff for being so kind

Dennis S.

Very professional Very kind-friendly Very thorough Very helpful

Joan O.

Wonderful facility and excellent staff including front desk, assistants, RNs, CRNA and Dr. They made you, comfortable, warm. Skilled procedure such as IV, and sedation and colonoscopy done well and efficiently. Staff explained every step of the process. Could not have been more satisfied.

Kathie S.

Love Dr Quallich. He has done so much for me.

Michele P.

All of the staff I dealt with were professional, friendly, and did their jobs well. I was very pleased. I do want to give a wonderful, over the top review, for my CRNA, such a kind and caring woman. I was very satisfied with my procedure experience. By

Chris O.

All the staff I interfaced with were very professional.

Pauline Z.

The care u received was excellent.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6243 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Adrienne G.

I have had a lot of medical issues over the years and have seen multiple physicians in three states. I have never had such an amazing experience. I was listened to and also felt so comfortable. I would highly recommend Center for Digestive Health!

Todd J.

The surgical centers of Michigan Troy facility was great. Staff, nurses and the doctor were amazing. Very efficient very polite very professional.

Jack R.

They took care of me like I was family!

Darlene V.

Staff was efficient, knowledgeable, and caring.

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.

3 reasons to see a gastrointestinal specialist when you turn 45

A gastrointestinal specialist is someone who specializes in the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract involves a pathway that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. The organs within the gastrointestinal tract are those that function mostly for...

The Benefits of Water for Digestion

Digestion is a process that, when running smoothly, can help keep the rest of your body in good condition too. It’s an important component of your overall health. There are several different ways that the digestive system can be well maintained, and this can be helped...

Do I Need an Endoscopy for Acid Reflux?

An endoscopy is a procedure that is typically used to examine an individual’s digestive tract. It is a non-surgical procedure that involves a tube with a video camera attached to it, called an endoscope, that is used to examine the inside of a cavity in the body. An...