Birmingham, AL — For those who suffer from heartburn and chest discomfort known
as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), there is increased risk of developing a form
of esophageal cancer that is the fastest growing cancer in the United States. It is also one
of the most deadly, with a five-year survival rate of just 17 percent.
A new technology known as HALO radiofrequency ablation can now safely remove the
abnormal Barrett’s cells before they progress to life-threatening cells. Birmingham
gastroenterologist Dr. Mark Janich, who has introduced this technology to Birmingham,
likens the HALO procedure to the colonoscopic removal of colon polyps to prevent colon
cancer. “We now have a safe, well tolerated outpatient endoscopic procedure that should
allow us to eliminate Barrett’s tissue in almost every case and prevent this often fatal
cancer. A recently published study showed that 98 percent of Barrett’s patients treated
with HALO ablation were completely free of disease two and a half years after
treatment.”

The procedure, being performed at Trinity Medical Center, involves a gastroenterologist
inserting either a balloon based electrode, or a smaller electrode device on the tip of the
endoscope, down the esophagus of the sedated patient. While viewing the Barrett’s
segment directly with the camera of the endoscope, short pulses of energy are delivered
to destroy the Barrett’s tissue that lines the inner surface of the esophagus.
“HALO ablation removes the Barrett’s cells but limits damage to the surrounding healthy
tissue. The HALO technology allows for a superficial ablation and thus results in a very
low complication rate,” says Dr. Janich. “The procedure time is typically 30 minutes or
less and the patients go home that same day.”

It is estimated that one in 10 individuals with chronic GERD will develop a precancerous
condition called Barrett’s Esophagus. Patients with Barrett’s Esophagus are
30-125 times more likely to develop esophageal cancer than the general population.
Other precancerous disease states such as colon polyps, cervical dysplasia, and skin
lesions have been removed prior to the need for major surgery. Barrett’s patients instead
have undergone repeat surveillance endoscopies to search for cancer or high-grade
dysplasia, which historically has then lead to surgical removal of the esophagus when
found.

This deadly cancer associated with Barrett’s Esophagus has risen in incidence 500
percent over the past three decades. “We believe that the HALO procedure will halt the
rise in esophageal cancers, just as colonoscopies and polyp removal have reduced the
number of new colon cancers we are seeing,” explains Dr. Janich. “By proactively
eliminating the precursor to this cancer we believe that the esophageal cancer that
Barrett’s patients live in fear of should become a thing of the past.”

ABOUT TRINITY MEDICAL CENTER
Trinity Medical Center (formerly Montclair Baptist) is a 560-bed, tertiary care hospital
serving residents of Birmingham and surrounding communities. The hospital offers
programs and services in all medical and surgical areas. This includes cardiology,
robotic surgery, oncology, neurology, women’s health, mental health, digestive diseases,
geriatrics, physical medicine and rehab, sports medicine, cardiac and pulmonary rehab,
and emergency care. The hospital’s medical staff includes more than 600 physicians
representing 30 specialties and subspecialties.
Trinity Medical Center has been ranked best hospital in the Birmingham area for
Overall GI Medical Services Two Years in a Row (2007-2008) and is the Only Five
Star Rated Hospital in Birmingham area for Treatment of Pancreatitis four years in
a row (2005-2008).