HALO procedure can help manage Barrett's esophagus and prevent esophageal cancer

Dec 8 2009

Cancer prevention is an important goal for all Houstonians and Bay Area Gastroenterology advises that early detection can prevent esophageal cancer.

A very common medical condition is Barrett's Esophagus, which has been known to be associated with chronic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, commonly referred to as GERD. This is a disorder in which stomach acid and enzymes cause injury to the esophageal lining, producing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain. If not treated, inflammation can change the esophagus cells resulting in a condition called Barrett's esophagus.

Sezen Altug, M.D., FAGA of Bay Area Gastroenterology, acknowledges that many individuals may have Barrett's and not be aware of it. This is of concern as Barrett's esophagus increases a person's risk of developing esophageal cancer.

"We are committed to educating patients about the early diagnosis and therapies for Barrett's esophagus," said Dr. Altug. "With the HALO procedure, the disease can be managed and esophageal cancer can be prevented."

The physicians at Bay Area Gastroenterology currently offer the HALO procedure, an ablation procedure for pre-cancerous Barrett's esophagus. The HALO ablation technology is designed to remove the Barrett's epithelium in a short, well-tolerated endoscopic procedure and offers an alternative to "watchful waiting" for patients with intestinal metaplasia, low-grade dysplasia, and high-grade dysplasia. The technology consists of two devices. The balloon-based HALO360+ device is capable of treating larger areas of circumferential Barrett's esophagus, while the HALO90 is a focal ablation device used to treat smaller areas.