Photothermal laser ablation of Barrett's oesophagus: endoscopic and histological evidence of squamous re-epithelialisation.
BACKGROUND
Barrett's oesophagus is acquired by severe gastro-oesophageal reflux and is a premalignant condition. Acid suppression or anti-reflux surgery alone do not cause significant regression of the metaplastic mucosa nor reduce the malignant potential. Recent reports have suggested that the combination of mucosal ablation with acid suppression may result in squamous regeneration.


OBJECTIVE
To destroy Barrett's mucosa by thermal ablation (in the setting of acid suppression) and so induce squamous regeneration.


METHODS
Sixteen patients with non-dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus were recruited from a surveillance programme. All had been on a proton pump inhibitor.


METHODS
At intervals, non-circumferential areas of columnar mucosa were ablated using the KTP laser. Acid suppression was obtained with 40 mg omeprazole daily. Multiple biopsy specimens were obtained for histological examination from ablated areas.


RESULTS
Ablation of all areas of glandular mucosa resulted in squamous regeneration. The number of treatments required depended on the length of the Barrett's segment. In 11 patients there was evidence of squamous regeneration over remaining Barrett's glands (in some of the post-treatment biopsy specimens) whilst in nine patients squamous metaplasia was seen within Barrett's glands.


CONCLUSIONS
Mucosal ablation of Barrett's oesophagus by laser, in the setting of acid suppression, results in squamous regeneration (though some burying of Barrett's glands did occur).
Barham
C P
CP
Gloucester Gastroenterology Group, Gloucestershire Royal and Cranfield University Institute of Medical Sciences, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, UK.
Jones
R L
RL
Biddlestone
L R
LR
Hardwick
R H
RH
Shepherd
N A
NA
Barr
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D004945:Esophagoscopy; D004947:Esophagus / Q000473:pathology* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012038:Regeneration