A Practical Approach to Refractory and Recurrent Barrett's Esophagus

Endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) is recommended for patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE)-associated neoplasia and is effective in achieving complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM). However, BE that is refractory to EET, defined as partial or no improvement in dysplasia after less than or equal to 3 ablative sessions, and the development of recurrence post-EET is not uncommon. Identification of refractory BE or recurrent intestinal metaplasia should prompt esophageal physiologic testing and modification of antireflux strategy, as appropriate. In patients who ultimately fail standard EET despite optimization of reflux control, salvage EET with alternate modalities may need to be considered.