No, nowt to do with Privateers! It's bits of the oesophagus that have gone rogue due to reflux. I have had a hiatus hernia for almost my full adult life so they periodically check that nothing nasty has developed. Well, last time they found some dysplasia which, if left untreated, can go cancerous. Luckily because I am so well monitored they did spot it and removed the dysplastic cells a couple of months back and suggested that I would benefit from having the Barrett's oesophagus treated too. I didn't know they could but since 2005 the NHS have been teating it with Radiofrequency ablation, which I had done yesterday. Dead easy job and, so far, no ill effects.

I will still need to be monitored but, all being well, this will keep any nasties away for a long time :-)

Anyone else had the treatment want to share their experience or anyone want to know any more?