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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Debe L.

Top notch facility!! From the time I walked in the door, to the time I Ieft, I had nothing but kindness and professionalism! Highly recommend this place. Also, Dr Donat is the best!!!

Tina B.

Always a great experience!!

Tcat

For me, everyone was very courteous, informative, friendly and proffesional. Atmosphere and attitudes was such that it helped ease my anxiety ahead of the procedure.

Denise A.

Very clean and efficient offices and all appointments are in a timely matter

klrietsch _.

Terrific staff - very kind & caring!!!

Tom H.

Excellent experience and treatment

Mitch M.

Very nice people there and was only sitting for maybe 5 mins. before I was called back. Very helpful and all a bunch of friendly and comfortable. I would definitely recommend this place and will come back here for my next one …Thank you to all the nurses and tech for making this experience a little more pleasant..😊

Thomas W.

Very comforting, caring, down-to-earth staff and Doctor. My visit was with Dr. Nandi.

Lanny B.

Dr Qualich and his entire staff were proficient and engaging. My appointment was at 820 and I was home by 1020 having both a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. I couldn't have been more pleased with the entire experience.

Stephanie P.

Dr. B was very helpful and thorough

Lisa M.

Dr. Wille has been my gastroenterologist for several years. I recently had a procedure and found he and his staff to be the most professional and caring, making sure you’re comfortable throughout your stay. Thank you for your thoughtfulness! Don’t ever retire!!

Pete L.

All the ladies who took care of me were absolutely amazing. Check in Person as well! Thanks 😊

Wayne D.

Thank you for your excellent service. It was a great experience

Dawn S.

I've been thoroughly impressed by the medical staff and team, who always greet me with a smile. The facility is meticulously maintained, providing a clean and comfortable space for patients. Roger and Kathy, my nurses, were incredibly kind and understanding, helping to alleviate my anxiety. Dr. Weber is an exceptional and caring Gastrointestinal doctor who cares about you as a patient.

Marsha J.

The staff was very professional and extremely helpful; answering questions, and putting me at ease.

Glenn M.

The staff at Macomb Endoscopy Center are very knowledgeable and caring individuals and made my procedure relatively painless .Thank you !

Mark B.

Great people working here, which made me feel less nervous. Nurses and doctors very friendly and explained everything to me in non medical terms that I could understand.

Eric F.

Everything went well. The staff were all friendly and efficient. The facility was very clean and comfortable. The Macomb Township location is extremely convenient in terms of parking and accessibility. The physician was professional with a good bedside manner. She was also prompt with following up after hours.

Lolita M.

It was a calm and peaceful experience.

Pauline F.

My appointment was with Dr. bologna he took his time with me. He wasn’t in any rush. He explained everything so I understood was very impressed with him and he put me at ease. I highly recommend him.

PAC P.

My proceedure went quickly. Not a lot of waiting. Everyone was professional, yet friendly

Richard L.

The staff is so nice and helpful.

Patrick W.

Very professional and polite!😊

Arlene A.

Everyone very nice and thoughtful. Got taken quickly. Noelle the PA was very thorough and helpful with my questions!

Tee L.

The staff is friendly from the beginning until the end of your visit. Dr Willie comes around during your recovery to check in on you. I would recommend the Center for Digestive Health for your specialty needs!

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

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Joni B.

I can’t say enough good things about them. Always very helpful a nice.

JUDY T.

The staff was so friendly. Dr. Willie is the most wonderful Dr. Have gone to him for many years.

Grazyna M.

Thank you, thank you thank you The team of the Nurses were very professional and very nice

Rosanne C.

Very caring and efficient staff

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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