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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Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

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Shawn S.

My first time going in and I must say staff was awesome 2 thumbs up made me fill comfortable just all around great "thank you"

Tom F.

Dr. Sante Bologna, this guy is professional and personable, anesthesiologist, comforting, Informative front desk, staff, professional, and friendly to make me feel welcome and comfortable , I don't think I I was in the waiting room five minutes Before the young and energetic staff asked me to go with them. This is the place to be if this is a place you've got to go lol

Marylou M.

Very nice and pleasant doctor. Didn't have to wait, my appointment was on time.

Ami B.

Great, professional staff, great bedside manner! Made me feel very comfortable! 🩷

Joy

Efficient, friendly, it made that whole experience actually enjoyable.

Florence P.

Having the opportunity for a telemedicine appointment is so valuable! It saved me travel time, time away from work, gas, and hassle! Thank you for investing in the technology to make life better for your patients! Seeing Dr. Quallich face-to-face was reassuring and was the same as seeing him in person. We covered all the concerns that I had and have a good plan of action. I received a call before my appointment checking on all my meds and also received a text msg with a link for our appointment. Hats off to your entire team on orchestrating such a great and professional job! As always, Dr. Quallich, you are an awesome and caring doctor! Your compassion for your patients is comforting! Thank you!

Eleanor T.

The staff was helpful and made every moment of the experience pleasant. Procedure Started exactly at 8am. I felt no pain throughout the entire procedure.

Heather W.

This was my 1st colonoscopy & this team was so very professional & helpful! Roger took great care of me & my concerns!

Judy H.

Caring, efficient, professional staff.

Rachelle P.

I was very nervous, as this was my first colonoscopy. The staff was extremely comforting and friendly. Dr. Abadir was very patient and knowledgeable. The facility was very clean. I highly recommend Macomb Endoscopy.

Douglas

Excellent medical staff

Neil H.

Our whole family have been patients of the Center for many years and have enjoyed the service and attention we receive. The operation runs like a well-oiled machine and the doctors and nurses are extremely helpful in explaning our procedures and answering any questions we might have.

Darin W.

The staff was amazing, particularly Ben, Kathy, Becky and Denise.

Rose R.

On time, listened to me, made sure I understood what was happening, had a clear understandable plan. I strongly recommend Dr. Donat.

Vernon S.

Scheduled a colonoscopy and staff was very nice. Procedure was very quick.

Ron H.

The people there are awesome, and they do a great job

Ping X.

Active / Kind / Accurate

Lisa L.

Such a pleasant group of nurses and doctors.

Terrill H.

The staff was extremely professional, informative and they smiled. It helped me with my nervousness. I was able to be comfortable.

Patrick D.

From start to finish to fill up they are beyond superior of any facility I have been in in my lifetime. Kind, caring and professional thank you for such a positive experience.

Brandon R.

Great staff, Dr. Willie is the best. He always takes the time to answer questions and provide a clear explanation to the procedure. Thank You

Mark S.

Very good

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I've been a patient at CFDH for years. First rate organization. They've always kept my primary physician in the loop. I'm under care of Dr. Donat.

Kevin F.

Friendly and professional from the moment I stepped through the door. Thanks for your kindness and professionalism.

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Everyone was most friendly. helpful, and knowledgeable.

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chris C.

Dr. Bologna is a brilliant doctor! He correctly diagnosed my problem and provided an effective treatment plan. I was back on my feet in no time.

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My appointment with Jennifer was informative and professional.

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Fun, respectful, and knowledgeable.

Rita D.

Entire staff was kind, friendly and efficient.

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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