Twenty-three percent of gastroenterologists failed to name the only criterion endorsed by the American College of Gastroenterology practice guideline in diagnosing and managing Barrett's esophagus, according to a study conducted by researchers at Stony Brook University Hospital in New York and reported in MedPage Today.
The ACG guideline defines Barrett's as a change in the distal esophageal epithelium of any length to a columnar-type mucosa, with biopsy confirmation as intestinal metaplasia. According to the report, 77 percent of gastroenterologists said such a finding would be enough to diagnose the condition.
The survey questioned 261 gastroenterologists in-person about the criteria for diagnosing and managing Barrett's esophagus. More than half of the surveyed physicians named other criteria in addition to the criterion endorsed by the official practice guideline, and about a third said they perform follow-up exams in patients with nondysplastic Barrett's more frequently than the recommended three-year interval.
According to the researchers, the study results indicate the condition is overdiagnosed and overmanaged.
Read the MedPage Today report on Barrett's esophagus.
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The ACG guideline defines Barrett's as a change in the distal esophageal epithelium of any length to a columnar-type mucosa, with biopsy confirmation as intestinal metaplasia. According to the report, 77 percent of gastroenterologists said such a finding would be enough to diagnose the condition.
The survey questioned 261 gastroenterologists in-person about the criteria for diagnosing and managing Barrett's esophagus. More than half of the surveyed physicians named other criteria in addition to the criterion endorsed by the official practice guideline, and about a third said they perform follow-up exams in patients with nondysplastic Barrett's more frequently than the recommended three-year interval.
According to the researchers, the study results indicate the condition is overdiagnosed and overmanaged.
Read the MedPage Today report on Barrett's esophagus.
Related Articles on Gastroenterology:
New Colonoscopy Benefit Complicating GI Collection Efforts
Racial Disparities Persist in Colorectal Screening Under Medicare
3 Young Gastroenterologists Win AGA Research Scholar Awards