Where and When Does Barrett Esophagus Recur After Complete Ablation?

Endoscopic eradication of dysplastic Barrett esophagus (BE) is considered the standard of care. The current study examines the recurrence of BE after complete eradication, which occurred in 151 (25%) of 594 prospectively followed patients during a median follow-up of 2.8 years (range, 1.4–4.4 years). Recurrence was more common than previously reported and occurred throughout the follow-up period. Most recurrences were located at the new interface between the squamous and columnar mucosa; the others, located in the tubular esophagus, were mostly visible. Random biopsies of the junction of squamous and columnar mucosa had a good yield, while biopsy of squamous mucosa without visible abnormality did not.