Argon plasma coagulation ablation versus endoscopic surveillance of Barrett's esophagus: late outcomes from two randomized trials [1]
129 pts with Barrett's esophagus with either no or low grade dysplasia were randomized to ablation with the argon plasma coagulator (APC) or observation. Ablation of >95% of Barrett's mucosa was initially achieved in 61 of 63 in the APC group. This decreased to 21 of 32 at long-term follow-up (>84 mos). The length of Barrett's decreased in the surveillance group from 4.2 cm at presentation to 2.7 cm at long-term follow-up. Sporadic low grade and high grade dysplasia developed in both groups, indicating that persistent surveillance is required.