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Radiofrequency Ablation

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Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses the HALO-BARRX treatment to treat Barrett’s Esophagus, by using an endoscopic ablation technique to remove the diseased lining of the esophagus.

What to Expect

After you have met with your doctor and they have recommended a radiofrequency ablation, they will explain the procedure in detail. When you arrive for the procedure, a nurse will start an IV in your arm so the CRNA can administer your sedation. You will like on your left site.

You will have your Barrx ablation during an upper endoscopy procedure. For the upper endoscopy, your doctor will use a flexible tube called a gastroscope to look at the inside of your esophagus on a television monitor. Barrx ablation uses radiofrequency energy (heat) to kill the abnormal cells. Killing these cells can prevent the tissue from turning into cancer. Once the abnormal cells are gone, new, healthy cells can replace them.

What preparation is required?

You will be asked to avoid drinking or eating anything the six hours leading up to the procedure. You can have some clear liquids until about two hours before the ablation. Your doctor will give you more specifics on preparing for the procedure.

What about my current medications?

If you are taking medications on the day of the procedure, you can take them with just enough water to swallow them, no less than 2 hours prior to your procedure. If you are taking medications to thin your blood or antiplatelet medications, you will be instructed by your physician on when to stop them prior to the procedure. Most other medications can be taken immediately following the procedure. Diabetics who take insulin will need to consult with the healthcare professional that manages diabetes medication to see what adjustments may be safe and needed.

What happens after a Radiofrequency Ablation?

Your doctor may have some restrictions for you immediately after the radiofrequency ablation. You will need to avoid driving a vehicle or operating machinery for at least 24 hours. You will be instructed to be on a liquid diet for the remainder of the day, followed by a soft diet for 1 week. You may resume your regular diet following that.

What are the possible complications of radiofrequency Ablation?

The RFA has proven to be a safe procedure, but as with any procedure there are some possible complications. Chest pain occurs in the majority of patients who are treated and generally lasts for a few days. Management with medication that will be prescribed prior to your procedure has been effective in most patients. In 1–2% of the patients, the pain has been more severe and longer lasting, and rarely, hospitalization for pain management is required. The most common delayed complication has been the development of esophageal strictures (narrowing). This is more likely to occur in patients who have had EMRs and in some areas where treatment has been overlapped. Perforations (tears in the lining of the GI tract) have occurred, but they are extremely rare and usually happened during insertion or removal of the ablation catheter.

Why do I need to drive be home?

You will need an adult who can drive you home safely following the procedure. Since you are sedated for this procedure, your reflexes may be slowed, and your judgment altered. You will be instructed to refrain from driving for the rest of the day.

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What Our Patients Are Saying

I’ve been a patient of Dr. Weber for almost a decade. My husband for more than & it was he who recommended Dr. Weber. He’s knowledgeable & well experienced in his field. Plus he’s an all around kind & nice guy. And you’d like how the office & tech staff are trained to run the operation of this practice. Efficient, patient and helpful! I’d feel very comfortable recommending this practice.

Vicki M.

I had a great time. Everyone was very friendly and professional. One nurse said I had nice eyes, which really helped my self esteem. Dr. Willie was fantastic. His concern about having magenta ink for the printer really shows what a caring man he is. The pictures turned out great. I framed them and hung them up on my wall at home. But, seriously the experience was pleasant. Thank you to everyone involved.

Terry M.

Lord knows having a colonoscopy is zero fun. The prep nearly did me in. But after arriving at suite 270 every single person was pleasant and efficient. The attention to cleanliness in the office is very apparent and appreciated. Every employee introduced themselves by name, apologized for an IV that took two tries and made sure I was as comfortable as can be before I was ready to leave. However, I’m going to enjoy every minute of the five years before I need to return!

Marie C.

I have been here several times and have always been treated great. The receptionist are so kind and the nurses are wonderful so is the anesthesia person are so kind and answers any concerns you might have. My Dr Bologna is awesome. This is the place to go if you need endoscopy or colonoscopy. Thank all the staff for being so kind

Debbie A.

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

Freeha Khan MD

Partha S. Nandi

Leonard G. Quallich III MD

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille 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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