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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Jeff H.

Very efficient. I was in and out in a little over an hour. The staff and Dr. Quallich are terrific and caring.

Rudy A.

I've been with dr Weber for a couple of years already. He gave me an excellent impression, not only for his professionalism, but also for his patience to explain things and his very friendly attitude. One of those people that, from the first instant, you feel you know him from ever.

Kassidy K.

Great experience with staff and Dr. Bakken. I usually see Nicolette VanMaldeghem in between visits with Dr. Bakken and she is excellent as well. I have nothing but good things to say about this practice.

Carol H.

Tele-health appt was efficient, easy and quick vs an actual office visit! Thank you for providing this option!

Eric A.

Just wanted to thank Dr Weber and the entire staff at the macomb endoscopy center where my procedure was performed for always being both caring and so professional With minimal wait time . Thank you all for what you do!!

Gottfried B.

I had a pleasant, non-rushed facetime call with nurse-practitioner Nicolette..My questions regarding the regular use of Mucinyl were satisfactorily answered.

Inas E.

Everyone is professional and caring. 10/10

Mark H.

Nurses and Doc were so kind, patient and informative.

Linda B.

Dr. Nandi and his full staff are amazing, kind, and caring.

Paolo C.

Outstanding

SDGIrl

Dr. Bologna answered all my questions and was easy to talk too. I would absolutely recommend him for your gastrointestinal needs. His staff was friendly and professional. He’s definitely a cut above the rest. Mary B

Kimmy K.

Very kind staff and knowledgeable doctor and anestisiologist. Waited about 30 minutes after my appointment time to be seen, but they were very busy. Other than that, everything we t well and I left with information related to the outcome of the test.

B G.

Good news always makes a visit with a doctor much easier to take. But even if/when the news might not be so good, I can't imagine Dr. Wille being anything other than the kindest, gentlest, sweetest and most thoughtful doctor you'd ever want. I am so incredibly grateful for his care. His assistant, Chris, is also very good at his part in Dr. Wille's care. Thanks to all of CDH for being so good at what they do.

Lorna P.

Dr. Abadir and all of the staff are AWEAOME!! They are very caring and compassionate. Additionally the office runs very efficiently. I would highly recommend!

Vicki

Great staff! Dr. Quallich did a great workup per usual! Would highly recommend because of ease of location and smoothness of getting in and out of your procedure!

peggy S.

I’ve always had a very good experience at 22 an Romeo plank office. Dr. Nandi is the best. staff is also very wonderful a pleasant experience.

Sharon M.

Quick efficient friendly. If I have to have another will go back to this clinic.

Sheri G.

Great staff. Made the procedure easy

Rodney H.

It was a very positive experience. The staff were friendly and professional. The process was explained from start to finish. Was in and out in a timely and safe manner. Received a follow up call the next day to check on me.

Sarah B.

Very friendly and thorough/detailed. I felt comfortable with them handling my endoscopy! They even called the next day to check on me and see how I was doing. I specifically was pleased that the nurse or aid that checked me in for the procedure was very thorough and asked questions about why I was there and didn’t just assume, as I’ve had previous practices do) Thanks!

Sue H.

I have been going to the center for Digestive health for about 20 years and I always enjoy my experience. Dr. Richard Willie has been my doctor. His bedside manner is great! The staff and nurse practitioners are also very friendly. The facility is clean and well-run. I highly recommend the Center for Digestive Health!

Richard L.

All very nice people.

Ban S.

The procedure was on time, the team did a great job. Plus the doctor was fantastic.

Joanna K.

Prompt, knowledgeable, excellent care and excellent experience.

Keith H.

friendly staff, pleasant experience,

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

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Mike B.

Great Customer Service, everyone was so very helpful and caring. I would highly recommend Center for Digestive Health when their services are required!!

Marie K.

Dr. Willie and the staff at the Macomb Endoscopy center were caring and efficient.

Janice K.

They were very helpful in telling me what my endoscopy schedule was. I really appreciated it! I have always appreciated their facility and Dr. Willie!!

Steve H.

Dr Weber was fabulous. He listened to me and answered all my questions in an easy to understand way.

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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