Updated Guidelines for BE

Updated Barrett esophagus guidelines address advances in imaging techniques, management of dysplasia, and ablation therapy.

Barrett esophagus is causally linked with the pathogenesis of esophageal adenocarcinoma, the incidence of which has increased sixfold during the past 20 years (Journal Watch Gastroenterology Sep 27 2005). Because of its connection with esophageal carcinoma, much interest in the appropriate diagnosis and management of BE has ensued. Now, the American College of Gastroenterology has updated its guidelines for diagnosis, surveillance, and therapy of BE; the guidelines were published originally in 1998 and were last updated in 2002. The most recent changes in these guidelines address advances in imaging techniques, management of dysplasia, and ablation therapy.

No substantial changes from the prior guidelines occurred in the following areas:

BE i…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors