HALO® Ablation (for Barrett’s Esophagus)
in New Orleans, LA
What is HALO Ablation?
HALO Ablation is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure that is performed to treat individuals with Barrett’s esophagus who are showing signs of dysplasia. Barrett’s esophagus is a condition that is associated with GERD that has been left untreated and is characterized by normal esophageal tissue changing to mirror the lining of the intestines. Patients that have developed Barrett’s esophagus with dysplasia have an elevated risk of developing esophageal cancer later on.
The HALO Ablation procedure uses radiofrequency energy to specifically target this abnormal tissue without causing any injury to healthy tissues surrounding it. Our expert digestive health providers use HALO Ablation in New Orleans, LA patients regularly. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus and would like more information, contact Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates today to discuss if the HALO Ablation procedure would be beneficial for you.
How do I prepare for my HALO Ablation?
Your Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates provider will give you specific instructions regarding diet and medications to best prepare for your procedure. Some changes to your medication, including stopping your medications, may be requested in the days or weeks leading up to your procedure. Those taking blood thinners (i.e. Coumadin®, warfarin, Plavix®, aspirin, NSAIDs) and individuals with diabetes will also receive individualized instructions regarding their medications. All medication adjustments will need to be discussed with your digestive health specialist during your consultation prior to your procedure. You will also be instructed not to eat or drink anything after midnight with an exception for some medications. If you are pregnant, please inform your gastroenterologist before the day of your procedure.
What should I expect with a HALO Ablation?
HALO Ablation is performed as an outpatient procedure in conjunction with an upper endoscopy (EGD). On the day of your procedure, you will need to arrive 1 – 1.5 hours before your procedure. This is to ensure enough time to fill out paperwork and prepare for the procedure. You will then be asked to change into a medical gown. An IV catheter will be inserted into your arm so sedation medication can be delivered. You will also be monitored throughout the procedure and afterward using equipment that will check your pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen concentration. Once in the procedure room, you will be asked to lie on your left side on the bed. Sedation medication will be started and administered in small amounts to ensure that only an adequate amount of medication is given.
Once sedated, an endoscope will be inserted into your mouth and advanced into the esophagus. Electrodes on the endoscope will deliver a controlled amount of radiofrequency energy to remove the layer of diseased tissue from the esophagus. Generally, the procedure will take approximately 30 minutes.
When the procedure is finished, you will be taken to a recovery room and will be monitored while your sedation medication wears off. The length of time it takes to awake from anesthesia will be determined by the amount of medication used and your individual reaction to the medication.
Due to the use of sedatives, you will not be able to operate a vehicle for the rest of the day, therefore it is imperative that you arrange for transportation home following your procedure. You will also need to rest for the remainder of the day and will not be allowed to return to work, sign important documents, or complete laborious tasks. You may have a sore throat for a few days afterward. Your Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates provider will give you instructions on eating, medications, and exercise prior to discharge.
Although the HALO Ablation procedure is shown to be a highly effective treatment for Barrett’s esophagus, it often requires repeated treatments for optimal results. Most patients will require 2 – 3 RFA treatments.
Are there any risks associated with the HALO Ablation?
Even though HALO Ablation is a very safe procedure, similar to any medical procedure, there are some risks involved. Some of the possible complications that can arise include:
- Reactions to sedation medications
- Infection
- Narrowing of the esophagus (stenosis)
- Bleeding
- Mucosal lacerations
- A tear in the wall of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine
- Heartburn or chest discomfort
If any symptoms arise after the procedure, contact your Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates provider immediately. It is important to continue having regular check-ins with your New Orleans, LA digestive health specialist as instructed and consult them on any new or worsening symptoms.
What are the alternatives to a flexible sigmoidoscopy?
To a large degree, any alternatives to the procedure will depend on the cause of needing to undergo the sigmoidoscopy in the first place. There are several x-rays that can evaluate the colon, including a barium enema or virtual CT scan. These methods are, however, only diagnostic exams. Treatment of any identified abnormalities will require a sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or surgery. To hear more about having a flexible sigmoidoscopy in New Orleans, LA or about any alternatives for treating and diagnosing your condition, we suggest you get in touch with the gastroenterology staff at a Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates location near you.
