 November 13, 2009, Morris, IL -- An outpatient treatment that destroys pre-cancerous tissue in the lining of the esophagus is now available at Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers.
The procedure, endoscopic radiofrequency ablation therapy using the BÂRRX Medical HALO System, was recently featured in the New England Journal of Medicine as a highly effective treatment for complete eradication of Barrett’s esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition that affects one to two million adults in the United States each year.
According to BÂRRX Medical, the HALO System is presently being used only at select hospitals. The closest hospitals to Morris are located in Sterling and Aurora.
According to Richard Rotnicki, D.O., F.A.C.G., a gastroenterologist on the medical staff at Morris Hospital who is specially trained in the ablation therapy, Barrett’s disease occurs when the esophagus is chronically exposed to gastric contents of the stomach caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD. With prolonged acid exposure, normal cells in the esophagus can undergo a genetic change and are then vulnerable to further changes that can lead to cancer.
Individuals with Barrett’s esophagus have a 40 to 130 times higher incidence of developing esophageal cancer than those without the condition. Esophageal cancer is presently the fastest growing form of cancer in the United States.
“The main purpose of the ablation procedure is to ablate, or remove the abnormal lining of the esophaghagus,” says Dr. Rotnicki. “The tissue then regenerates and normal tissue grows back. This eliminates or markedly reduces the chances of cancer from developing. The concept is very similar to removing a polyp during colonoscopy, which can prevent colon cancer. Data from studies shows that the HALO ablation treatment is highly effective for preventing esophageal cancer. In fact, it looks very promising.”
During the procedure, a correctly sized ablation catheter (HALO360 or HALO90 Ablation Catheter) is positioned on the abnormal esophageal tissue. Using the HALO Energy Generator, the physician delivers a rapid burst of ablative energy which removes a very thin layer of the diseased esophagus. The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting, without incisions, and takes less than 30 minutes on average.
Prior to the availability of the HALO System, the standard treatment for Barrett’s disease was “watchful waiting” or surveillance to monitor the progression of the disease.
“Previously we could use ablation therapy to remove or destroy pre-cancerous tissue, but the technology had limitations and wasn’t widely used,” says Dr. Rotnicki. “The HALO System provides uniform and controlled ablative therapy, which not only removes the abnormal cells but also allows for re-growth of normal cells. It’s also easier to effectively treat patients using the HALO System, without injuring healthy underlying tissue.”
According to Dr. Rotnicki, esophageal cancer is typically advanced by the time it is diagnosed, making it difficult to cure. Esophageal cancer has a five-year patient survival rate of just 16 percent.
“It usually starts with GERD, which can cause Barrett’s disease, which can lead to esophageal cancer,” says Dr. Rotnicki. “That’s why it’s important to seek medical treatment for symptoms of GERD, the most common being heartburn.”
To receive a brochure on Barrett’s Esophagus and the HALO Ablation Technology, call Morris Hospital at 815-942-2932, ext. 7009.
Serving patients in more than 18 communities, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers includes the 86-bed Morris Hospital, as well as physician offices in Braidwood, Channahon, Dwight, Gardner, Marseilles and Newark. Through the services of over 1,500
healthcare professionals, physicians and volunteers, Morris Hospital provides a Level II trauma center, interventional cardiovascular services, radiation therapy for cancer, a Level II obstetrical unit with special care nursery, a 20-bed critical care unit, and a dedicated pediatric unit. Founded in 1906, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers is the largest employer in Grundy County.
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