Valley is aware of the nationwide supply disruption of IV fluid solution due to Hurricane Helene, and wants to reassure the community that steps have been taken to ensure the situation will have no negative impact on our patients and the community.
The Valley Hospital Center for Barrett's Esophagus and GERD provides leading-edge diagnostic, treatment and management services for patients with Barrett's esophagus and GERD.
Barrett's esophagus is a serious complication of chronic, severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also called acid reflux. A major risk factor for esophageal cancer, Barrett's esophagus is marked by abnormal cells that line the esophagus - a result of stomach acid that backs up into the esophagus.
Our center's gastroenterologists and thoracic surgeons are highly skilled and experienced in using the most advanced minimally invasive procedures and technologies to treat patients with GERD and Barrett's esophagus, so these conditions don't lead to esophageal cancer.
The Center for Barrett's Esophagus and GERD offers a full spectrum of services to diagnose, treat and manage both acid reflux and Barrett's esophagus:
Our gastroenterologists perform endoscopic examinations of the esophagus. While patients are sedated, the gastroenterologist will place a thin, fiberoptic flexible scope that contains a tiny camera down their throat and into the esophagus. They'll be able to view the esophagus using the endoscope. If the lining of the esophagus is red instead of light pink, Barrett's esophagus may be present.
To confirm the diagnosis, the gastroenterologist will remove several samples of abnormal tissue during the endoscopy using special instruments. These samples will be examined under a microscope by a Valley pathologist to check for abnormal cellular changes, which would indicate Barrett's esophagus, or dysplasia, if the condition has advanced.
Treating reflux doesn't cause Barrett's esophagus to go away, so therapies are aimed at both the acid reflux and the abnormal esophageal lining. Our treatment options include:
Patients who are diagnosed with Barrett's Esophagus will need to be monitored regularly with endoscopies and biopsies according to a schedule set by their gastroenterologist. If dysplasia is present, follow-up exams must also be performed.