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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Diagnosis of Neoplasia in Barrett’s Esophagus using Vital-dye Enhanced Fluorescence Imaging
Published on: May 11, 2014
ACG Clinical Guideline: Diagnosis and Management of Barrett's Esophagus
Nicholas J Shaheen1, Gary W Falk2, Prasad G Iyer3
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Insights
Updated guidelines for Barrett's esophagus (BE) recommend screening high-risk men with reflux symptoms. Surveillance intervals for nondysplastic BE are extended to 3-5 years, and ablative therapy is advised for dysplasia and early cancer.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Gastrointestinal Oncology
Background:
- Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a common condition.
- BE carries a risk of malignant progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update clinical practice guidelines for managing patients with Barrett's esophagus.
- Provide evidence-based recommendations for screening, surveillance, and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and expert opinion.
- Development of consensus-based recommendations by the American College of Gastroenterology.
Main Results:
- Screening for BE is recommended for high-risk individuals, primarily men with reflux and other risk factors.
- Surveillance intervals for nondysplastic BE are extended to 3-5 years.
- Endoscopic ablative therapy is recommended for high-grade dysplasia, T1a esophageal adenocarcinoma, and low-grade dysplasia.
Conclusions:
- The guidelines offer a pragmatic framework for BE patient care.
- Routine biomarker panels and advanced imaging are not currently recommended.
- Post-ablation surveillance is suggested due to recurrence risk.
Abstract:
Barrett's esophagus (BE) is among the most common conditions encountered by the gastroenterologist. In this document, the American College of Gastroenterology updates its guidance for the best practices in caring for these patients. These guidelines continue to endorse screening of high-risk patients for BE; however, routine screening is limited to men with reflux symptoms and multiple other risk factors. Acknowledging recent data on the low risk of malignant progression in patients with nondysplastic BE, endoscopic surveillance intervals are attenuated in this population; patients with nondysplastic BE should undergo endoscopic surveillance no more frequently than every 3-5 years. Neither routine use of biomarker panels nor advanced endoscopic imaging techniques (beyond high-definition endoscopy) is recommended at this time. Endoscopic ablative therapy is recommended for patients with BE and high-grade dysplasia, as well as T1a esophageal adenocarcinoma. Based on recent level 1 evidence, endoscopic ablative therapy is also recommended for patients with BE and low-grade dysplasia, although endoscopic surveillance continues to be an acceptable alternative. Given the relatively common recurrence of BE after ablation, we suggest postablation endoscopic surveillance intervals. Although many of the recommendations provided are based on weak evidence or expert opinion, this document provides a pragmatic framework for the care of the patient with BE.
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