Barrett

It is the combination of a HIATUS HERNIA and peptic ulcer base of the esophagus. At this level, the normal epithelium of the esophagus is replaced by glandular epithelium of stomach kind. It is at this level that develops ulcer.

This dysplasia occurring in ectopic columnar epithelium (which is not in its usual place) of the esophagus is a precancerous lesion.

Tobacco, alcohol and obesity are the usual risk factors.

Until now, the only way to avoid this transformation was surgical resection.

A British team has achieved eradication of the lesion by laser after oral administration of 5-aminolevulinic acid sensitization injury.

4 hours after administration of 60 mg / kg 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), the laser treatment was performed under light anesthesia (or more accurately under mild sedative treatment).

The eradication of the lesion was obtained. After 26-44 months, it does not seem to be any recurrence (after ENDOSCOPIC control and PATHOLOGICAL ANATOMY - see these terms).

Gastric acidity was also treated with an inhibitor of the proton pump (omeprazole).

5 aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) causes an accumulation of protoporphérine IX photosensitizing molecule.

Its oral administration makes more convenient than intravenous technique