Barrett’s Esophagus
in Denver

To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, an upper endoscopy is performed. During this procedure, a small tube is inserted into the throat and esophagus to look for any changes in the lining of the esophagus. A small sample or biopsy is taken. Your gastroenterologist will use WATS3D, a revolutionary type of biopsy that uses brush sampling to take sample cells from the esophagus for analysis. During laboratory analysis, artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D imaging are used to help the pathologist identify any precancerous cells. South Denver GI was the first GI practice in Denver to offer WATS3D to patients.

Barrett's develops in patients that have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), where the stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. Not all patients will progress from GERD to Barrett's esophagus, but routine screening is recommended in patients that have chronic GERD symptoms. To discuss whether you're at risk for Barrett's esophagus contact us to be seen at one of our offices in Parker, Lone Tree, Denver or Castle Rock.

Barrett's esophagus does not always present with symptoms. It's important to watch for symptoms of GERD such as heartburn and acid regurgitation, which can lead to Barrett's esophagus. If you experience frequent or chronic GERD symptoms, you should be screened for Barrett's esophagus via an upper endoscopy. Schedule an appointment with one of South Denver GI's highly skilled gastroenterologists. You may also have trouble swallowing or a constant sore throat.

Since Barrett's develops in patients with GERD, it is important to manage GERD symptoms with dietary and lifestyle changes and medical therapy. Patients with Barrett's undergo surveillance upper endoscopy with biopsies every 3-5 years to screen for dysplasia and cancer. Dysplasia is the presence of abnormal cells and is a precursor to esophageal cancer development. If dysplasia is detected, a South Denver GI physician can remove the Barrett's tissue and dysplastic cells with radiofrequency ablation (Barrx system) to prevent cancer development. This is also done via upper endoscopy and is well tolerated.

Barretts esophagus is a condition where, over time, the lining of the esophagus becomes damaged with stomach acid. The acid from the stomach comes up through the esophagus. Due to the inflammation and repair cycle, the distal esophagus lining changes from squamous to columnar epithelium. This is known as metaplasia. Within the Barrett's, dysplasia and esophageal cancer can develop.

According to John Hopkins Medicine, about 30 million people in North America have GERD, the condition that can ultimately lead to Barrett's esophagus. About 5% of those individuals end up developing Barrett's esophagus. It is most common among white men aged 55 and older and those who have a family history of the disease.