Barrett's oesophagus--are British gastroenterologists denying their patients prevention of malignant change?
Adenocarcinoma of the lower oesophagus is rapidly increasing in industrialised countries. The importance of Barrett's oesophagus is because of the potential for it to progress to oesophageal adenocarcinoma. It has a strong correlation to chronic GORD. Symptomatic patients or those with a long segment, if dysplasia is present or the patient is under 50 years of age, should be offered anti-reflux surgery. Patients may be denied the procedure by some gastroenterologists
St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College School of Medicine, London, UK. rdrosin@uk-consultants.co.uk
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D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000592:standards; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005762:Gastroenterology / Q000592:standards*; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D016079:Refusal to Treat; D006113:United Kingdom