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Endoscopy 2006; 38(2): 122-132
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-924994
Endoscopy Essentials
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Latest Developments in the Endoscopic Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Barrett’s Esophagus: an Overview of the Year’s Literature

J.  J.  G.  H.  M.  Bergman1
  • 1 Dept. of Gastroenterology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Publication History

Publication Date:
14 February 2006 (online)

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The development of endoscopic techniques for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease has come to an abrupt halt after some of the most widely disseminated and best evaluated techniques were withdrawn from the market. This underlines the importance of conducting high-quality endoscopic research before techniques are adopted in routine practice.
The endoscopic surveillance of patients with Barrett’s esophagus needs to be improved in order to be cost-effective. Alternative techniques for tissue sampling are being explored (e. g., brush cytology, imaging cytometry), as well as the use of molecular markers, to select patients who are at risk and to improve compliance by patients. New endoscopic imaging techniques (such as autofluorescence endoscopy) may improve the detection of early neoplasia in those Barrett’s patients who are at risk for malignant degeneration. Subsequent endoscopic treatment should primarily consist of an endoscopic resection technique with restricted use of ablative therapies. Future studies should focus on the development of endoscopic resection techniques that allow en-bloc resection of Barrett’s lesions, stepwise complete resection of the whole Barrett’s segment, and/or easier and safer tissue ablation. Finally, histopathological studies are needed in order to detect risk factors for an adverse outcome after endoscopic treatment for early neoplasia in Barrett’s patients.

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J. J. G. H. M. Bergman, M.D., Ph. D.

Dept. of Gastroenterology

Academic Medical Center · Meibergdreef 9 · 1105 AZ Amsterdam · The Netherlands

Fax: +31 20 6917033

Email: j.j.bergman@amc.uva.nl

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