Cryotherapy for Barrett's esophagus: Who, how, and why?
Cryotherapy is a noncontact ablation method that has long been used clinically in the treatment of a wide variety of malignant and premalignant diseases. The relative ease of use and unique mechanisms of cellular destruction make cryotherapy particularly attractive for the eradication of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus. Currently, liquid nitrogen and carbon dioxide are the most common cryogens used. Preliminary data with these agents have shown high efficacy in the reversal of dysplastic Barrett mucosa and excellent safety profiles. Intense investigation on cryotherapy ablation of Barrett's esophagus is ongoing.
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, 450 Broadway Street, Pavilion C, 4th Floor, MC 6341, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA.
Ann M
AM
Chen
Pankaj J
PJ
Pasricha
D001471:Barrett Esophagus / Q000601:surgery*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000601:surgery*
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D009584:Nitrogen