Regression of Barrett's esophagus by laser ablation in an anacid environment

Abstract

Consistent regression of intestinal metaplasia in Barrett's esophagus has not been achieved with medical or surgical interventions. In this case report, a patient with Barrett's esophagus of stable length had half the circumference of the Barrett's epithelium ablated with laser therapy while on a high-dose proton-pump inhibitor. In the absence of esophageal acid exposure and after laser ablation, the intestinal metaplasia was documented to reepithelialize with normal squamous mucosa, which has persisted.