Gary Falk, MD, MS, Professor of Medicine, Director, Center for Esophageal and Swallowing Disorders, Cleveland Clinic, discusses Barrett’s esophagus and its identification and treatment in the primary care setting.
Summary:
1. Barrett’s esophagus treatment in the primary care setting starts with identification of those at risk, such as patients with chronic reflux disease and obesity.
2. Controversy exists over whether patients at risk should undergo screening endoscopy, but most guidelines suggest at least one lifetime endoscopy screening for patients over age 50 with chronic heartburn and acid regurgitation.
Related Videos:
Treating Barrett’s esophagus in patients with dysplasia
References and Resources
Morganstern B, Anandasabapathy S.GERD and Barrett’s esophagus: diagnostic and management strategies in the geriatric population. Geriatrics. 2009 Jul;64(7):9-12.
Modiano N, Gerson LB.Risk factors for the detection of Barrett’s esophagus in patients with erosive esophagitis. Gastrointest Endosc. 2009 May;69(6):1014-20. Epub 2009 Jan 18.
Dr. Falk has disclosed the following:
Consulting Fees: Wyeth, AstraZeneca, C2 Therapeutics
Contracted Research: Barr, AstraZeneca, Takeda
Barrett’s esophagus in the primary care setting
White males at most risk but esophageal cancer risk only 0.05%
August 20, 2009 • Family Medicine, Gastroenterology, Hospitalist, Internal Medicine, Patient Education
