New procedure at UMC helps fight precancerous disease

It is not uncommon for people to deal with heartburn or acid reflux after eating certain types of food, but for some, it could be more than just discomfort.

According to University Medical Center, more than 3.3 million are affected by Barrett’s Esophagus, is a common precancerous condition and the primary cause of esophagus cancer.

Barrett’s Esophagus is caused by chronic inflammation and repeated exposure to stomach acid that affects the tissue lining in the esophagus.

“Every patient who has reflux or heartburn symptoms should see his or her doctor,” said Dr. Antonio Mendoza Ladd, a gastroenterologist at University Medical Center.

Officials said UMC is the only hospital in El Paso that treats Barrett’s Esophagus with the C2 Cryoballoon method.

Doctors get rid unhealthy, diseased or damaged tissue in the esophagus by freezing it away with cold nitrous oxide into the balloon to reach the affected area.

The procedure removes the unhealthy cells without damaging healthy tissue, allowing new cells to grow.

“Through the endoscopy we’re able to identify the areas that we need to treat,” Mendoza-Ladd said.

Mendoza-Ladd said the treatment has less side effects and patients have reported less pain. Prior treatment used to burn off the cells, leaving patients with a more painful recovery.

UMC officials said patients used to have to travel to other Texas cities to get treatment.