Barrett's esophagus refers to an abnormal change in the cells of the lower end of the esophagus. Barrett's esophagus basically means that the cells from the junction of the esophagus and stomach ascend into the esophagus for a variable distance, ranging from a few centimeters to nearly the entire length. This process is called intestinal metaplasia.

Barrett's esophagus found more often in male than female. In most cases Barrett's esophagus is caused by chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). More rarely it may be caused by swallowing a corrosive substance.

Diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus can only be done by GI endoscopy to obtain biopsies of the esophagus. Patients with Barrett's esophagus have a higher-than-average risk of getting cancer. Barrett’s esophagus has no medication treatment. Surgery is recommended only for people who have a high risk of developing cancer or who already have it. Operation known as a Nissen fundoplication (now done by laparoscopy) can reduce the reflux of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) has also been evaluated as a management technique. This technique is built on destroying the Barrett's mucosa with the hope that normal squamous mucosa will grow back.

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