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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Leeann P.

Have been going to Dr Bologna for several years now for my gastric issue and colonoscopy . The staff and Dr Bologna are great! Attentive and pleasant ! I would would definitely endorse his group without hesitation

Bernie F.

Dr. Donat was great, in fact the entire operation was top notch. Arrived at 11am, had my procedure and was out of there a little after noon and had the results online in 1-2 days. Highly recommend this practice.

Vince S.

We have been involved with Center for digrstive health for several years. Our experience has been fantastic. From Dr. Baaken, the office staff, the staff at the procedure centers, every person we encounter is professional, helpful, knowledgeable & patient. Highly recommend them

Richard D.

Pleasant and efficient

Richard S.

Very caring and compassionate service!

Karla R.

My experience from the initial interview to the discharge was pleasant and everyone made an effort to be informative and provide any need I might express.

Rick S.

The entire staff was courteous and made my visit as comfortable as possible. Also, I’m enjoying reading his “Ask Dr. Nandi” book.

Stephanie B.

Always a clean, professional, and welcoming environment. All of the nurses are great at their job, and treat you kindly.

Bernice W.

Staff was very professional and made me feel comfortable Very efficient staff-I was on my way home about 75 minutes after I arrived at the office.

mary R.

Quick. Efficient. And treated with respect

mazin K.

They made me feel very comfortable from beginning to end of my procedure. Everyone there was great. The front desk woman was very personable. The man that took me to my private room was very nice and explained exactly what I needed to do. The nurses that prepared me were great. The nurse anesthetist made me feel comfortable and safe The whole time. Dr. Bologna explained everything before we started and made me feel very comfortable. Thanks to everyone there I had a great experience.

Don S.

Dr. Willie and his staff were great and thorough throughout my whole procedure, highly recommend

Sandor L.

Excellent contact with ALL of the employees assigned to my procedure. It was all done in a very timely manner. This was the second time that I have had a colonoscopy performed at the office located on Romeo Plank Rd. south of 22 mile Rd. Both experiences were excellent.

Joel S.

We like Dr Willie. He takes his rise and luarwbs

John L.

Staff and doctor very professional from beginning to end. All went quickly and easily. Thanks.

Kristen B.

I’ve been a patient for years and the care I’ve received has always been wonderful. They are knowledgeable and compassionate and take time with patients.

Carolyn S.

Personable, skilled, and trustworthy Care. Always informative

Alison O.

Have had procedures with both Dr Bakken and Dr Nandi. Both are excellent and the rest of the staff are great as well.

David R J.

The medical staff is very professional. They didn't miss a beat from the time I entered the door, procedure and out the door. Dr. Nandi and staff keep up the professionalism and positive energy.

Patricia B.

Dr. Weber and his staff were very professional. They took wonderful care of me. Nothing but good things to say about the whole experience. I would highly recommend them.

Beverly G.

I had an EGD yesterday with Dr. Willie. I was nervous but it was a breeze! The anesthesiologist was great and the staff are very friendly and make you comfortable. Dr. Willie is the best. Highly recommend him!! I will always go to this practice. They make you comfortable with your issues.

Cynthia F.

Dr. Baaken is a very nice and caring doctor. She explains everything before and after procedures.

Tricia K.

Great

Johanna 7.

Troy center for Digestive Health are the best! Dr Donat and staff were great, Have been going to them for 20+ yrs. So organized and professional, would not go anywhere else.

Tracey

Colonoscopy done by Dr. Sante Bologna and I was so impressed with Dr. Bologna,the staff, and the surgical facility!

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Darlene D.

I highly recommend this practice. Been coming here for 17+ yrs. All of the nurses in Triage, administered IV, Nurse Anesthetist & post-op were FANTASTIC! Especially, Caroline & Jessica.

Sara S.

Dr. Webber is a breath of fresh air!! He listens and wants to help! So nice and helpful! Recommend Dr. Webber!

Dominic A.

First,we seen the doctor on our appointment time.Second very friendly atmosphere n Third the doctor very open honest and professional.

Jon L.

Dr. Donat and staff were wonderful.

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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