Course Summary

Barrett’s esophagus is a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease, which involves reflux of gastric contents that damages the normal lining of the lower esophagus. A different type of lining (intestinal metaplasia with goblet cells) replaces the normal esophageal lining and is known as Barrett’s esophagus. A serious, potential complication of Barrett’s esophagus is the abnormal esophageal lining, which develops over time and can develop early precancerous changes. The early changes may progress to advanced precancerous cellular changes, and finally to esophageal cancer, although this final stage is uncommon. When it does progress to cancer, adenocarcinoma of the esophagus is the form of esophageal cancer typically seen in Barrett’s esophagus. Updated screening guidelines to identify the presence of Barrett’s esophagus are needed because relying on symptoms such as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux are inadequate.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
• Epidemiology
• Complications of Barrett’s Esophagus
• Risk Factors of Barrett’s Esophagus
  • Chronic Heartburn, Acid Reflux and Erosive Esophagitis
  • Age, Gender, Race and Geography
  • Obesity and Smoking
• Long-segment and Short-segment Barrett’s Esophagus
• Diagnosis of Barrett’s Esophagus
• Treatment of Barrett’s Esophagus
  • Surveillance Endoscopy
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
• High-grade Dysplasia and Treatment
  • Esophagectomy
  • Endoscopic Mucosal Resection
  • Radiofrequency Ablation
  • Photodynamic Therapy
  • Endoscopic Spray Cryotherapy
• Screening Guidelines
• Case Study: GERD Progression to Barrett’s Esophagus
  • Discussion
• Summary

Authors

Noah Carpenter, MD

Dr. Noah Carpenter is a Thoracic and Peripheral Vascular Surgeon. He completed his Bachelor of Science in chemistry and medical school and training at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Carpenter completed surgical residency and fellowship at the University of Edmonton and Affiliated Hospitals in Edmonton, Alberta, and an additional Adult Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery fellowship at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He has specialized in microsurgical techniques, vascular endoscopy, laser and laparoscopic surgery in Brandon, Manitoba and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and in Colorado, Texas, and California. Dr. Carpenter has an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Calgary, and was appointed a Citizen Ambassador to China, and has served as a member of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, the Canadian College of Health Service Executives, the Science Institute of the Northwest Territories, Canada Science Council, and the International Society of Endovascular Surgeons, among others. He has been an inspiration to youth, motivating them to understand the importance of achieving higher education.