Anyone ever deal with Barrett's Esophogus Disease?

[Dr.Corona]

My brother has had this since 2009 but now is showing a spot of high-grade dysplasia which puts him at risk for cancer. Dr wanting to do an Esophagectomy (removal of the esophagus) but my parents have been against this due to post surgery "quality of life" issues.
I see a few other treatments that are possible. Just wondering if anyone has any first-hand experiences with this & what their take is.

thanks

[gunthermoose]

I have Barretts..
It's supposedly a per-cancerous condition that requires meds and a endoscope every other year..
Except for a daily pill, I have no other issues...

Personally I would get a 2nd , 3rd, 4th opinion before a surgery of that type...

D

[lime rickie]

I have Barretts..
It's supposedly a per-cancerous condition that requires meds and a endoscope every other year..
Except for a daily pill, I have no other issues...

Personally I would get a 2nd , 3rd, 4th opinion before a surgery of that type...

D

And that's not even the medicine.

(((Dave)))

(((Dr. Corona's brother)))

[alphabits]

I have Barretts..
It's supposedly a per-cancerous condition that requires meds and a endoscope every other year..
Except for a daily pill, I have no other issues...

Personally I would get a 2nd , 3rd, 4th opinion before a surgery of that type...

D

Yep, what Dave said. I was officially diagnosed about 3 years ago.

I'm no medical expert but surgery would seem like a last resort. If it were me, I'd be thoroughly exploring all those other options first.

Good luck to your brother, whatever he decides.

[dnw]

Phin power to all of you that have this disease.

[balcony girls]

. . sounds like you're getting some mighty sound advice, Dr. C . .

. . I would certainly be more willing to trust my phriends over a suggestion from " professionals", if it involved such a private choice . . .

. . good luck on this . . .

. .

[pbans]

I have it too.
There are options for resection and laser ablation of the dysplasia.
I'd get another opinion for sure. If he has high grade dysplasia, it needs to be treated but I don't know that an esophagectomy would be the first way to go.
I have a customer that has had the ablation and his cells grew back squamous, which is what they are supposed to be!

[Dr.Corona]

I have it too.
There are options for resection and laser ablation of the dysplasia.
I'd get another opinion for sure. If he has high grade dysplasia, it needs to be treated but I don't know that an esophagectomy would be the first way to go.
I have a customer that has had the ablation and his cells grew back squamous, which is what they are supposed to be!

That's the option I'm hoping is available to him.