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Copyright ©2012 Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastrointest Endosc. Sep 16, 2012; 4(9): 379-386
Published online Sep 16, 2012. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v4.i9.379
Diagnosis and management of Barrett’s metaplasia: What’s new
Fábio Segal, Helenice Pankowski Breyer
Fábio Segal, Physician and Endoscopist at Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre-RS, 90.035-001, Brazil
Helenice Pankowski Breyer, Physician and Endoscopist at Hospital de Clínicas, Porto Alegre-RS, 90.035-003, Brazil
Author contributions: Segal F and Breyer HP wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Fábio Segal, MD, PhD, Physician and Endoscopist at Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Av. Cristovão Colombo 3060, Porto Alegre-RS, 90.035-003, Brazil. fs.endoscopy@gmail.com
Telephone: +55-51-30281020 Fax: +55-51-30281020
Received: October 14, 2011
Revised: February 15, 2012
Accepted: September 12, 2012
Published online: September 16, 2012
Abstract

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease, and a premalignant lesion for esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Observational studies suggest that endoscopic surveillance is associated with the detection of dysplasia and EAC at an early stage along with improved survival, but controversies still remain. The management of patients with BE involves endoscopic surveillance, preventive and clinical measures for cancer, and endoscopic and surgical approaches to treatment. Deciding upon the most appropriate treatment is a challenge. This study presents the results and the effectiveness of these practices.

Keywords: Barrett’s esophagus, Intestinal metaplasia, Metaplastic columnar mucosa, Esophageal premalignancy, Esophageal adenocarcinoma