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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T D.

Dr Abadir was patient to answer all my questions. Took time to explain and never rushed me.

Nancy W.

From the front desk , to the prep room with Lauren , to the procedure room with Carolyn to the recovery with David and last but certainly not least , Dr Willie. !!! HATS OFF TO A TEAM IN A OFFICE WITH EXCELLENT PATIENT SKILLS AND BEDSIDE MANNER !!! I THANK EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!

Tracy K.

Everyone was friendly and caring, quick in and out of appointment. Had my procedure and left facility in 67 minutes! Facility is well run, clean and private rooms for every patient. 10/10 highly recommend!

Mark G.

Dr. Bologna is very professional and courteous. I've been seeing him for about 8 years.

Shirlee

Everyone is always professional things go on time, couldn’t get a better Dr, or health Service office

James L.

Excellent care from prescreening to post-procedure follow up. All staff are top-notch professionals.

Jean C.

I was very pleased with the way everyone was very professional about the whole process. The nurses, aides, secretary , and Dr. Bologna. They all were very kind and made me very comfortable. Thank you and God Bless

nicole D.

I had a wonderful experience. I was treated with kindness and excellent care, everyone made the procedure worry free. Thanks, Nicole DeYonker

Albert P.

Thank you to all staff for making my Health your upmost priority. The Center for Digestive Health provided a top notch service. A special thanks to my favorite and forever GI Doctor Aalia Saeed! Thanks for being so thorough and caring. If it weren't for you my health would be in great danger. My concerns were taken seriously and I am so grateful. Keep up the amazing work!

Lorri M.

Excellent care. Pre op instructions redundant..

Cindy S.

The wait time less than 15 minutes. Courteous. Clean. Professional

Juliann T.

Very efficient experience. Appreciated the professionalism of everyone from start to finish.

Katherine D.

Kind, courteous and respectful. Can't ask for more in a doctor's office. Oh yes, they don't give up easily just because I'm elderly. Very important to me.

Mary B.

Dr. Wille was clear in informing me about the procedure he would perform. Moreover, he was attentive to my description of my recent medical issues in mouth and esophagus which are relevant to his work. His answers were clear and reassuring.

Patty H.

Excellent staff, facility and Dr's. I felt my comfort was their concern. I would highly recommend this facility. Dr. Bologna is excellent!

Craig H.

The process was efficient with no long waits. Dr. Webber has been my doctor for a number of years. He is the best!

Anthony B.

Other than waiting almost an hour for my colonoscopy, everything went well. The staff was friendly and clear on the procedure. They have a ton of availability, easy to get in.

David E M.

Dr Nandi is the best have been seeing him sense He got out of med school, I can relax in his care knowing that everything will work out.

Family M C.

The staff is experienced and friendly. Dr Anezi Bakker performed greatly I had no pain or bleeding post exam.

Marie A.

Great staff to work with!

Pavel K.

My name is Pavel! Yesterday I had an interesting procedure called colonoscopy. Naturally, I was very worried, besides, it was the first time. I was treated by Dr. M Emin Donat. I still do not speak English well enough and the realization of this only added stress to me. But despite this, everything went quite quickly and completely painlessly! I am grateful to all the medical staff for their professionalism and understanding, who dedicated their time to me and gave me a positive attitude and self-confidence! I highly recommend this clinic!

Roger “Eastern Shore ‘54” E.

Outstanding group lead by Dr. Donat. The ERCP he performed was flawless and the surgical team was awesome.

Bluesman S.

A very professional team and clearly in a class of their own. They ALL sincerely care for your health and make sure you are comfortable, and answer any questions you may have. I highly recommend them for all your digestive related health issues.

John W.

Very professional team and extremely talented

James W.

I love Dr. Donat. He is so friendly, nice and professional. He is an excellent Doctor. I had a great overall experience. I would refer a friend.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

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This my 2nd visit for colonoscopy. These are the nicest, kindest, medical professionals! This is my sincere opinion. From the front desk, all the way to the finish line. Wonderful people, excellant care.

Matthew K.

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

ANGEL

Beautiful place. People are so patient and friendly.

Shannon P.

Great experience. Was in and out of my procedure in one hour. Amazing!

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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