The Center of Excellence for Barrett’s Esophagus
Our Center of Excellence for Barrett’s Esophagus at Fort Sanders Regional is an alliance of medical professionals, research organizations, and supporting services that provide comprehensive and well-coordinated care for patients, including pre-clinical and clinical research. We are a leader in training medical professionals at other Barrett’s centers and treat patients from around the world.
We invite you to learn more about this disease and our Center of Excellence. Please contact us at any time with questions or for a consultation.
What is Barrett’s Esophagus?
Barrett’s esophagus is when the normal cells that line your esophagus turn into a different type of cell due to damage in the lining of the esophagus. The new, abnormal cells are called specialized columnar cells, or Barrett’s Esophagus. Having Barrett’s Esophagus raises your risk of getting esophageal cancer. Click here to learn more about causes, risk factors, and symptoms of Barrett’s esophagus.
What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the chronic backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. While the tissue lining of the stomach is able to handle digestive contents such as acid, the lining of the esophagus cannot. As a result, when the stomach contents back up into the esophagus it can cause heartburn. Barrett’s Esophagus is a major complication of GERD. Learn more about GERD and how it is diagnosed and treated.
Treatment Options for Barrett’s Esophagus
Our center was the first to pioneer photodynamic therapy in 1990 for the treatment of Barrett’s esophagus with high grade dysplasia, and one of the first institutions to introduce radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treatment of Barrett’s esophagus. Today, we provide an array of endoscopic treatment options for Barrett’s patients including endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), radiofrequency ablation, and cryotherapy. Click here to learn more about Barrett’s Esophagus and procedures offered at our center.
Facts about Barrett’s Esophagus
When you have Barrett’s Esophagus, you want to learn as much as possible about the condition and the risk of developing into esophageal cancer. Learn more here.
Treatment for GAVE (Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia)
We also provide treatment for Watermelon Stomach. With this condition (also known as GAVE (Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia), the blood vessels in the lining of the stomach become fragile and prone to rupture and bleeding. The stomach lining exhibits the characteristic stripes of a watermelon, and symptoms may include chronic anemia, acute gastrointestinal bleeding, vomiting of blood and dark, tarry stools. Learn more about Watermelon Stomach/GAVE and its treatment.
High Resolution Esophageal Manometry
Esophageal manometry is a test used to evaluate how well the esophagus muscles work to transport liquids/food from your mouth into your stomach. Esophageal manometry is typically performed to evaluate the symptoms of gastric reflux, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and functional chest pain. This test may also be used in preoperative evaluation for anti-reflux surgery. It can also be used to determine esophageal distance measurement needed for performing ambulatory pH/Impedance diagnostic test.
High Resolution Anorectal Manometry
High resolution anorectal manometry is a test used to evaluate the function and coordination of the sphincter and pelvic floor muscles of the anorectal anatomy. This study also assesses the measurement of resting and squeeze pressures, as well as the length of the anal canal.
Our Team of Experts
Our team of experts consists of a group of highly motivated and experienced physicians, scientists, nurses, technicians, and supporting staff with a common goal of delivering the best care to our patients. Learn more about our team.
Our Research Publications
Our staff participates in ongoing research studies to discover the most effective diagnostic and treatment methods for Barrett’s esophagus. Learn more about our complete listing of research.
Center of Excellence Partners
We collaborate with different entities, including the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Gastrointestinal Associates, Innovative Pathology Services, Anesthesia Alliance of East Tennessee, and the Fellowship Center to provide pre-clinical, clinical, and support services to patients with Barrett’s Esophagus. Learn more about all of our partners.
Lodging for Patients
Discounted rates have been arranged with area hotels for our out-of-town patients.
Please call us at (865) 331-1433 for more information.
Mission and Vision
We strive to provide state-of-the-art treatments for management of Barrett’s esophagus, and are dedicated to achieving the best treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction through a partnership between healthcare providers, research institutions, and support services.
We will be the leaders in the application of endoscopic treatments for Barrett’s esophagus.