Howard,
I have a question regarding inlet patches. On endoscopy, I have a
small inlet patch in the distal esophagus. I was told not to worry
about it and that it is of no consequence. Recently, I've read, on
the internet, that there has been some use of an ablation procedure
which has helped some people. I've also heard that some surgeons, in
Europe, will not operate on someone who has an inlet patch. I am doing
pretty well on 30mg of Prevacid, but I still have globus sensations
and hoarsness when talking. My initial symptoms were difficulty
swallowing; I did not have typical heartburn. Also, my endoscopy
showed "mild Grade 1 reflux esdophagitis with superficial erosions and
erythema of the distal esophagus just above the gastroesophageal
junction". If it is alright to have a fundo with this inlet patch,
should I have an ablation done first?
I would just like to separate fact from fiction on this issue. Do
some inlet patches secrete acid and are the contraindicated for a
fundoplication? Also, does albation increase the risk of scar tissue
and stricture?
Thanks!
Christine
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