Endoscopic Ablation of BE: How Durable Are the Results?

In a recent study, ablative therapy of nondysplastic Barrett esophagus resulted in complete remission in 98% of patients, but calling this outcome a “cure” might be premature.

In patients with Barrett esophagus, removal of the affected epithelium — either by surgery or mucosal ablation — theoretically eliminates the risk for focally associated esophageal adenocarcinoma. Although endoscopic ablation has become a viable option for treating BE patients who have high-grade dysplasia or early esophageal adenocarcinoma, concern remains about the durability and completeness of the effect of ablative therapies for nondysplastic BE. Squamous overgrowth could conceal residual BE epithelium from endoscopic detection and directed biopsies. Cancers have been reported to arise in this way, following attempts at endoscopic BE ablation.

To assess the long-term safety and efficacy of circumferential ablation for nondysplastic BE, …

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