Radiofrequency Ablation Specialist

What is radiofrequency ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation uses controlled, high-energy radio waves to heat and destroy cells. 

The team at Interventional Endoscopy Associates PLLC primarily perform radiofrequency ablation to eliminate precancerous cells caused by Barrett’s esophagus. In some cases, they may recommend this endoscopic procedure to treat bile duct stones.

Barrett’s esophagus

Barrett’s esophagus develops when gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes changes in the cells lining your esophagus. If Barrett’s esophagus goes untreated, the cells may become precancerous. Ultimately, these precancerous cells turn into esophageal cancer.

Bile duct stones

When a gallstone leaves the gallbladder, it goes through the bile duct. If the stone gets stuck, it’s called a bile duct stone. 

What happens during radiofrequency ablation?

Before your treatment, you receive an IV sedative and a local anesthetic to numb your throat. Then your provider performs an upper GI endoscopy or EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) by guiding a narrow tube through your throat and down your esophagus.

Using the lighting and camera in the endoscope, they examine your esophagus and precisely target the precancerous cells. Then they insert a specialized radiofrequency ablation catheter through a channel in the endoscope.

After positioning the ablation catheter, they send radiofrequency energy into the tissues. The treated cells slough off over the next few days, clearing away the abnormal cells. New, healthy tissue grows in to replace the lining.

What should I expect after radiofrequency ablation?

You should expect to have chest pain for a few days after your procedure. Your provider at Interventional Endoscopy Associates PLLC may prescribe pain medications and numbing agents to relieve your symptoms. They also recommend following a soft diet to avoid irritating the esophageal lining.

Following your procedure, you will take medications such as proton-pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid and prevent ongoing acid reflux or GERD. Radiofrequency ablation effectively treats existing precancerous cells. But new lesions can develop if stomach acid continues to reflux into the esophagus.

Will I need follow-up care after radiofrequency ablation?

Since Barrett’s esophagus can recur, your provider recommends periodic upper GI endoscopies to examine the tissues and make sure they’re still healthy. You will also stay on acid suppressants indefinitely.

To learn more about radiofrequency ablation for Barrett’s esophagus, call Interventional Endoscopy Associates PLLC or book an appointment online today.