There is increasing interest in the endoscopic treatment of Barrett’s esophagus. Endoscopic treatment has been utilized for many years, but in the past, no specific method has emerged as an appealing treatment option with appropriate safety, efficacy and ease of treatment for both patients and physicians. Recently there has been a growing literature related to the endoscopic ablation of Barrett’s esophagus using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) (Halo® system). In order to discuss when RFA is indicated for Barrett’s, one needs to know: (1) What is the ‘histology’ of the Barrett’s? Does the patient have intestinal metaplasia, low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia or intramucosal carcinoma? (2) What are the endoscopic options to be considered as opposed to RFA? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? (3) What additional variables need to be examined?

Keywords:
Barrett’s, decision-making, Barrett’s, endoscopic treatment, Barrett’s esophagus, Endoscopic ablation, Halo® system, Radiofrequency ablation
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel
2009
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.