Screening for Barrett's esophagus

Abstract

Barrett's esophagus is the only known esophageal precursor for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. However, screening for Barrett's esophagus remains controversial. Although screening is advocated in selected populations, it is unclear how it should be implemented. In this review, the current definition of Barrett's esophagus will be discussed. There will be a review of the emerging evidence supporting the cost-effectiveness of screening and surveillance for Barrett's esophagus in preventing esophageal adenocarcinoma. The known risk factors for Barrett's esophagus and the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma, currently utilized to determine the appropriate populations to screen, will be reviewed. Finally we will review the standard techniques utilized to screen for Barrett's esophagus and examine new technologies that might improve the efficacy and availability of Barrett's esophagus screening.