Radiofrequency Ablation Is Cost-Effective for High-Grade Dysplasia in Barrett Esophagus

However, it is most likely prohibitively expensive for low-grade dysplasia, especially if costs of anesthesia are included in the analysis.

Given the increasing incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and the conventional teaching that it arises from Barrett esophagus (BE), ablative strategies for BE have received considerable attention. The effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is well established in treating high-grade dysplasia (HGD) (JW Gastroenterol Nov 4 2011) but remains controversial for treating low-grade dysplasia (LGD) or no dysplasia. A previous cost-effectiveness analysis (Gastroenterology 2009; 136:2101) concluded that ablative therapy was justified for HGD, but that its cost-effectiveness for the other groups depended on the incidence of progression and effectiveness of ablation. Since that publication, several key studies have refined the estimates…

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