The Role of Esophagogastroduodenoscopy Surveillance for Patients with Barrett Esophagus

Approximately 10% to 15% of patients who experience chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease have Barrett esophagus, which is associated with an increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. If symptoms persist after 8 weeks of adhering to treatment and lifestyle modifications, or if alarm symptoms develop, patients should be referred for screening upper endoscopy. Those with evidence of Barrett esophagus with dysplasia should be monitored in an endoscopic surveillance program, and those with high-grade dysplasia should consider surgical treatment.