The Journal
Dr. Kevin Matteson, of Southwest Medical Group is now performing the Barrx radio frequency ablation system; a treatment designed to remove the Barrett’s esophagus epithelium in a short endoscopic procedure that patients tolerate well.
Matteson is a board-certified surgeon and is accepting patients for treatment of Barrett’s esophagus.
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in the lining of the esophagus caused by chronic exposure to refluxed stomach acid, enzymes and bile.
It occurs when a patient’s lower esophageal sphincter or valve no longer closes properly to prevent acid backwash into the lower esophagus. The resulting injury is accompanied by inflammation, and ultimately a cellular change (metaplasia) to a specialized columnar epithelium.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a chronic form of heartburn, which according to a Harvard Medical School Report, affects 10 percent of Americans on a daily basis. Acid-related diseases are climbing in severity, and are growing cause of sleep problems and work absences. This indicates an increasing need for early intervention, prevention and therapeutic services for this and other digestive concerns.
About 13 percent of white men over age 50 who have chronic reflux will develop Barrett’s esophagus. Chronic heartburn, being the leading cause of Barrett’s esophagus, is the beginning of a potential progression toward esophageal cancer.
Southwest Health System is in Cortez, and operates Southwest Memorial Hospital and the 10 clinics of the Southwest Medical Group. For more information, call 970-565-6670 or visit swhealth.org/gensurgery.