Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is an endoscopic therapy used to eliminate precancerous cells caused by Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that develops when GERD causes changes in the cells lining your esophagus. If this goes untreated, the cells may become precancerous and eventually turn into esophageal cancer. Your doctor may also recommend this procedure to treat bile duct stones, which occur when a gallstone gets stuck in your bile duct.

Treatment

Radiofrequency ablation uses heat generated at a high frequency and removes diseased tissue while leaving healthy tissue unaffected.

You'll receive a sedative and painkiller (analgesic) and should feel no pain. You most likely won’t remember the procedure. During the procedure, you'll lie on your left side. A local anesthetic may be sprayed into your mouth to prevent you from coughing or gagging when the endoscope is inserted. A mouth guard will be inserted to protect your teeth and the endoscope. Dentures must be removed.

Your doctor will insert the endoscope through your mouth into your esophagus. Then, as they control the endoscope, they will examine the lining of your esophagus on a computer screen. Tissue samples can also be taken through the endoscope for examination.

After treatment is performed

Your physician will discuss your treatment plan, diet and medication.

Specialized and personalized care

At HonorHealth, our team of gastroenterologists are experts in managing acute and chronic complex gastrointestinal disorders. They have performed thousands of procedures with outcomes that meet or surpass national benchmarks for quality in endoscopy. Their goal is to offer you the best care and highest-quality clinical outcomes.