Ablation of Barrett's epithelium: the promise and the problems.
The incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus has increased dramatically over recent years. Because Barrett's epithelium is recognized as a risk factor for adenocarcinoma there is an interest in reversing this metaplasia. A number of endoscopic methods of destruction of esophageal columnar epithelium have been described. The purpose of this article is to review the currently available methods of managing Barrett's epithelium with particular reference to the role of ablative therapy in reducing the risk of adenocarcinoma.
Urosevic
P
P
The University of Melbourne, Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, The Geelong Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
Kiroff
G K
GK
D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004945:Esophagoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome