About Barretts Esophagus
Key Highlights
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Early detection of pre-cancerous changes in the esophagus.Guides personalized treatment and surveillance plans to prevent esophageal cancer.Performed as a minimally invasive outpatient procedure (endoscopy).Provides definitive tissue diagnosis through biopsy, which is the gold standard.Helps in staging the severity of the condition (with or without dysplasia).
Who is this surgery for?
- Long-standing history of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), typically for 5+ years.
- Presence of GERD symptoms like frequent heartburn and regurgitation, especially if not fully controlled by medication.
- To investigate findings suggestive of Barrett's on a prior endoscopy or imaging.
- As part of routine surveillance for patients with a known diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus.
- Presence of alarm symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, pain with swallowing, or unexplained weight loss.
How to prepare
- Fasting is required: No food or drink (including water) for typically 6-8 hours before the procedure.
- Discuss all current medications with your doctor; you may need to temporarily stop blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure, as sedation will be used.
- Inform the gastroenterologist of any allergies, especially to anesthesia or sedatives.
- Complete any required pre-procedure paperwork and health screenings.
Risks & possible complications
- Reaction to sedatives or anesthesia, including breathing difficulties.
- Minor bleeding or sore throat from the endoscope.
- Perforation (a tear) in the esophageal wall, which is rare but serious.
- Infection at the biopsy site, though uncommon.
- Incomplete sampling, which may miss areas of dysplasia.
Recovery & hospital stay
- You will be monitored in a recovery area until the sedation wears off (1-2 hours).
- A sore throat or mild bloating is common for a day or two.
- You can resume a normal diet once swallowing feels comfortable, usually the same day.
- Avoid driving, operating machinery, or making important decisions for the rest of the day due to sedation.
- Your gastroenterologist will discuss biopsy results, typically within 1-2 weeks, to determine the next steps for management or surveillance.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering barretts esophagus in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for barretts esophagus in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Baner, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform barretts esophagus. MediFyr helps you compare gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for barretts esophagus compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Barretts Esophagus in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing barretts esophagus.
Emma Bhatia, a 52-year-old high school...
Emma Bhatia, a 52-year-old high school biology teacher, had managed chronic acid reflux for over a decade with over-the-counter medications. A lifelong vegetarian and yoga enthusiast, she was frustrated that her healthy lifestyle hadn't prevented her worsening symptoms: a persistent burning sensation, frequent regurgitation, and a feeling of food getting stuck. Her primary care doctor, concerned about the long-term use of PPIs and her family history (her father had esophageal cancer), referred her to a gastroenterologist. The specialist recommended an endoscopy to check for Barrett's Esophagus, explaining it was a precautionary measure due to long-standing GERD. During the procedure, under sedation, the doctor found and confirmed a short segment of Barrett's. The treatment experience was anxiety-provoking but painless. The recovery was straightforward, a sore throat for a day and a bland diet. The biopsy results showed no dysplasia, meaning she had a very low risk. Emotionally, Emma went from fear and dread, worrying about cancer, to immense relief and empowerment. She now adheres strictly to her new treatment plan, including regular surveillance endoscopies every 3-5 years, and feels proactive and in control of her health.
Gastroenterologists for Barretts Esophagus
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform barretts esophagus and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 25 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 34 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 18 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 49 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 32 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai