Cryoablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy abnormal cells in the esophagus – the tube that carries food and liquids from the throat and down into the stomach. During cryoablation, an advanced intervention gastroenterologist uses a long, flexible tube called an endoscope to heat specific areas of the lining of the esophagus to destroy abnormal tissue with liquid nitrogen.
The procedure is typically performed several times with a month or two between procedures to treat Barrett’s esophagus, a condition that causes changes in the cells lining the esophagus. The lining of the esophagus can be damaged by acid reflux from heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
Preparing for an RFA
Generally, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything for several hours before an RFA procedure. Your doctor may ask you to refrain from taking certain medications or taking them at different times before your procedure.
You’ll receive clear, specific instructions from your doctor ahead of time, so you know exactly what to do to prepare for your RFA.
During the Procedure
During cryoablation, which lasts approximately 30 minutes, you will receive anesthesia and your gastroenterologist will then insert a thin, flexible, lighted tube called endoscope into your mouth. The endoscope contains a small camera that sends real-time images to a monitor so your doctor can guide the endoscope to the specific area of the esophagus to be treated. The endoscope is fitted with a special device to freeze and destroy abnormal cells and tissues.
Will There Be Side Effects Afterward?
You may experience chest pain and a sore throat after your RFA. You may also experience some side effects from the anesthesia you receive such as nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness.
Your doctor will go over the possible side effects of ESD with you and answer any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure.
Why Choose Cooper for Cryoablation?
Cooper’s multidisciplinary team includes gastroenterologists, pathologists, thoracic surgeons, general surgeons, nurse practitioners, nutritionists, and other health care professionals working together collaboratively to provide you or your loved one with the most advanced care possible.
The unparalleled expertise, cutting-edge technologies and advanced approaches to care at Cooper Barrett’s Esophagus Center are designed to keep our patients out of the operating room. In those cases where surgery is needed, Cooper has the expertise to perform minimally invasive procedures.
Contact Us
To learn more about cryoablation or to make an appointment, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737).
Refer a Patient
If you are a doctor who wants to refer a patient for cryoablation, please call 800.8.COOPER (800.826.6737).