Barrett's Oesophagitis

Barrett’s is a condition that arises when various cells belonging to the stomach settle in the oesophagus (the gullet); it calls for follow-up and is diagnosed by examination by the pathologist. It generally appears in patients with chronic reflux disease — that is, reflux of long standing.

In two to five of every hundred patients with Barrett’s, dysplasia is found on examination by the pathologist. The diagnosis of dysplasia in these patients has to be assessed by a second pathologist. If the same diagnosis comes back, the patient is advised on a strict diet and on drugs, and a second endoscopic examination within three to six months.

If the dysplasia is still there, the areas of dysplastic cells are identified by staining at chromoendoscopy, and whichever suits the patient of mucosectomy, laser ablation or surgical treatment is recommended.

In patients diagnosed with Barrett’s who have no dysplasia, what is recommended is diet, treatment, changing the habits that cause reflux (not eating too much, losing weight, raising the bed by a pillow, not eating at night and so on), drugs, and endoscopic follow-up every one to two years.