Management of Barrett’s Esophagus: Practice-Oriented Answers to Clinical Questions

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The management of patients with Barrett’s esophagus still poses several clinical issues to the clinician, from correctly defining diagnosis to choosing adequate treatment. This brief and evidence-based review is aimed at providing a practical guide for the adequate management of this condition. ABSTRACT: Barrett’s esophagus is the most important complication of gastro-esophageal reflux disease and the only known precursor of esophageal adenocarcinoma. The diagnosis and treatment of Barrett’s esophagus are clinically challenging as it requires a high level of knowledge and competence in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. For instance, endoscopists should know when and how to perform biopsies when Barrett’s esophagus is suspected. Furthermore, the correct identification and treatment of dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus is crucial to prevent progression to cancer as well as it is the endoscopic surveillance of treated patients. Herein, we report practice-oriented answers to clinical questions that clinicians should be aware of when approaching patients with Barrett’s esophagus.