A variety of endoscopic ablation modalities are available for the treatment of Barrett’s
esophagus. Multiple studies have evaluated the use of argon plasma coagulation, mostly
in nondysplastic Barrett’s esophagus. Significant variations in technique, end points,
and follow-up exist between studies, but in most cases argon plasma coagulation is
associated with unacceptable rates of persistent intestinal metaplasia and recurrence
after completion of treatment. In addition, serious adverse events including perforation
and stricture formation are reported. Multipolar electrocoagulation has been studied
less thoroughly, but in prospective trials significant rates of persistent and recurrent
intestinal metaplasia have also been reported. Lasers and heater probes have been
tried in small numbers. Endoscopic cryotherapy ablation is a relatively new technique
with studies focusing on high-grade dysplasia and early-stage cancer in high-risk
patients. It has an acceptable safety profile, and early results show response in
a significant number of patients in whom other modalities have failed.
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B. D. GreenwaldMD
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
22 South Greene Street, Rm N3W62 Baltimore MD 21201–1595 USA
Fax: +1-410-3288315
eMail: bgreenwa@medicine.umaryland.edu