HALO® Ablation (for Barrett’s Esophagus) in New Orleans, LA

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.

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.