Fig. 22.1
An algorithm reflecting current standard approach for patients with Barrett’s associated neoplasia
A Personal View of the Data
My approach systematically begins with counseling patients on all options of therapy and confirming the diagnosis of dysplasia with our gastrointestinal pathologists. I treat patients with high dose proton pump inhibitors twice daily. I standardly begin with a thorough endoscopic evaluation followed by endoscopic therapy. I utilize advanced imaging modalities that include narrow band imaging and/or confocal laser endomicroscopy to enhance my endoscopic examination to improve my diagnostic yield for biopsies and resections. Treatment for patients with high-grade dysplasia first begins with focal endoscopic mucosal resection of any visible lesions. Then, I treat the remainder of Barrett’s mucosa radiofrequency ablation. Long segments are first treated with circumferential RFA with the balloon device. I treat shorter segments and residual areas with focal RFA. After treatment is completed, I perform surveillance endoscopies with biopsies yearly. I prepare patients with the knowledge that endoscopic treatment may require multiple modalities, multiple sessions, and indefinite surveillance.
Recommendations
The presence of dysplasia should be confirmed by a gastrointestinal pathologist. (Evidence quality moderate; weak recommendation)
Endoscopic resection of mucosal irregularities in the setting of dysplasia in Barrett’s esophagus should be performed for accurate T staging of neoplasia. (Evidence quality low; weak recommendation)
Patients with Barrett’s esophagus with high-grade dysplasia should be managed with endoscopic eradication therapy rather than surveillance. (Evidence quality moderate; weak recommendation)
Esophagectomy should be reserved for patients with Barrett’s associated neoplasia with submucosal invasion, lymph node metastasis, or failure of endoscopic therapy (Evidence quality high; strong recommendation)
Esophagectomy should be performed at high volume centers. (Evidence quality moderate; weak recommendation)
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