The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Radiofrequency ablation of Barrett's oesophagus
REMOVAL OF ABNORMAL CELLS FROM THE BASE OF YOUR FOOD PIPE
Using heat to destroy abnormal cells that have grown where the tube from your mouth connects with your stomach
What is Barrett's oesophagus?
Barrett's oesophagus is the name given to the growth of abnormal cells in the lower part of the pipe that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. This section gets damaged by acid and bile travelling upwards from your stomach.
The most common symptoms are heart burn (acid reflux) and indigestion.
Radio-frequency ablation (RFA) works by using heat to destroy (ablate) any cells that are growing abnormally as a result of stomach acid damage. In limited cases these cells can become cancerous, but this usually takes many years or even decades to develop.
Need to know
The procedure is carried out under deep sedation or general anaesthetic. Once you are asleep, after careful inspection of your food pipe, a special device called an ablation catheter is passed down into the pipe and the abnormal cells are very carefully burned away.
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you might have. In order to prepare you may be asked to:
- Provide your consultant with detailed information on your medical history.
This can include previous surgeries, other conditions you might have and medication you are taking - Follow advice on food and drink intake prior to the procedure.
This can include previous surgeries, other conditions you might have and medication you are taking - Follow advice on food and drink intake prior to the procedure.
The risk of complications following radiofrequency ablation is low, but the procedure may cause bleeding or infection.
Side effects can include:
- pain or discomfort
- slight fever
- generally feeling unwell.
Sometimes you may need to spend a night in the hospital before you are allowed to return home.
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8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
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42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.