The number of follow-up endoscopy procedures after successful radiofrequency ablation treatment for Barrett's esophagus can be safely reduced in many patients, according to a study in Gastroenterology.
Here are four things to know.
1. Surveillance endoscopy is currently recommended after complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia.
2. The study authors assessed data from U.S. and U.K. registries involving more than 5,800 patients to model the incidence of neoplastic recurrence of Barrett's esophagus.
3. Based on the results of the model, the researchers proposed surveillance endoscopy at one and three years after CEIM for patients with low-grade dysplasia.
4. An attenuated surveillance endoscopy schedule would adequately protect patients from invasive adenocarcinoma, the researchers concluded.
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GI leader to know: Dr. Charles King of Digestive Disorders Associates