Length of Barrett’s segment predicts failure of eradication in radiofrequency ablation for Barrett’s esophagus: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Abstract Background We aim to investigate factors that may contribute to failure of eradication of dysplastic Barrett’s Esophagus among patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation treatment. Methods A retrospective review of patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation for treatment of Barrett’s Esophagus was performed. Data analyzed included patient demographics, medical history, length of Barrett’s Esophagus, number of radiofrequency ablation sessions, and histopathology. Subsets of patients achieving complete eradication were compared with those not achieving complete eradication. Results A total of 107 patients underwent radiofrequency ablation for Barrett’s Esophagus, the majority white, overweight, and male. Before treatment, 63 patients had low-grade dysplasia, and 44 patients had high-grade dysplasia or carcinoma. Complete eradication was achieved in a majority of patients (57% for metaplasia, and 76.6% for dysplasia). Failure of eradication occurred in 15.7% of patients. The median number of radiofrequency ablation treatments in patients achieving complete eradication was 3 sessions, compared to 4 sessions for failure of eradication (p = 0.06). Barrett’s esophagus length of more than 5 cm was predictive of failure of eradication (p 5 cm was found to be predictive of failure of eradication in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation.

Keywords

• Barrett’s esophagus
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Endoscopy
• Esophagus