surgery for Barrett's Esophagus?

My local hospital is now offering surgery for Barrett's Esophagus using the HALO 360 device (the BARRx system).

http://www.henryford.com/body.cfm?id=48674

Has anyone here had this before?  Did you find it worked?

Thanks much,
Jean

[Flycaster305]

Jean, I'd be very careful.  

There are several levels of cancer associated with Barrett's Esophagus.  Has your condition been given a rating.  If it is a pre-cancer, like mine, I have an Endoscopy every 18 months to see it if has advanced.  I'd suggest you have an endoscopy, then have the results examined by a teaching hospital before agreeing to any treatment.  

Keep us informed.

[jean_619]

Thanks for your post.

I have an endoscopy done every year.  I have no dysplasia as determined on my last EGD.  After discussion with my doctor, we decided an EGD every year was necessary because stomach cancer is prevalent in my family.

The purpose of the HALO 360 procedure is to reduce or eliminate the "wait and see" situation with Barrett's and instead, remove the Barrett's tissue altogether.  According to their information, studies have "demonstrated that patients had 90% of their Barrett's removed after one or two treatment sessions at one year follow-up. In addition, the studies showed that over 90 percent of the patients were completely cured of their Barrett's after one or two treatments at their one year follow-up."

If a complete cure is possible, I would like to pursue that because the wait and see approach is very stressful, and the treatment I'm using now (Prilosec) is not helping at all.

[Flycaster305]

You have given me something to think about.  Thank you.

From what I've read, folks with Barrett's have a very low chance of developing cancer when treated and checked.  However, I've also read the survival rate if cancer develops is very poor, so if you have familial tendencies to cancer, I sure understand your interest.  Is the HALO 360 procedure risky in any way?

I had the Nissen Fundoplication procedure, and it was very successful in eliminating acid reflux.  It's not an easy procedure to recover from, and the surgeon needs to be chosen carefully, but the success rate is very high when one follows the dietary suggestions during recovery.  A recent Endoscope revealed my symptoms are much reduced as a result of the surgery.

Stay in touch.

[Flycaster305]

I might add, the Nissen procedure also is a great weight loss procedure.  I had the surgery about 1 1/2 years ago, and I dropped 10% of my weight that has never come back.  Because the stomach is smaller, one just can't overeat.  If I eat too much, I suffer, so know my limits.  I've had several serious surgeries during the last five years, including a bowel obstruction sugery and also heart bypass surgery, but the Nissen procedure had the most positive influence and change in my life.