Pros and Cons of Ablating Nondysplastic Barrett Esophagus

Experts provide valuable insight to both sides of the argument.

Best-care practice in screening and intervention for nondysplastic Barrett esophagus (BE) is undetermined. Two recognized experts in BE therapeutic interventions have provided a point-counterpoint debate on the use of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for nondysplastic BE. Highlights are as follows:

Pros

Endoscopic surveillance of BE is ineffective in reducing the risk for neoplastic progression, unproven to reduce esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC)-related deaths, and not cost-effective.
RFA has been shown to be highly effective in reducing histologic progression and development of cancer in patients with dysplasia and is durable in patients without dysplasia.
The number-needed-to-treat to avoid cancer progression in patients with nondysplastic BE is…

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