Endoscopes are flexible instruments combining fiber-optics (for illumination) and charge-coupled devices (for imaging) that are used in medicine to visualize the interior of otherwise inaccessible sites, such as the lumen of hollow organs. Endoscopes are used to examine the gastrointestinal…
Introduction The safe and efficient performance of gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy has the following requirements: A properly trained endoscopist with appropriate privileges to perform specific GI endoscopic procedures Properly trained nursing and ancillary personnel Operational, well-maintained equipment Adequately designed and equipped…
Introduction The role of the physician is to observe, detect anatomic abnormalities or disease, and conceive ways and means by which discovered deficiencies in function can be corrected or ameliorated. To extend the physical examination to areas hidden from external…
15.1 Introduction Endoscopic eradication therapy (EET), either using endoscopic resection (ER) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA), cryoablation, or a combination of resection and ablation, aims not only to completely eliminate Barrett’s esophagus (BE) dysplasia and early neoplasia but also a complete…
14.1 Introduction Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is an acquired condition in which a metaplastic columnar epithelium replaces the stratified squamous epithelium that normally lines the distal esophagus . Metaplasia commonly is a consequence of chronic inflammation, and intestinal metaplasia results from…
13.1 Introduction Earlier chapters in this book describe how ablative therapies have essentially replaced surgery for the management of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) with high-grade dysplasia (HGD). However, resectional therapies, performed either with flexible endoscopy or surgery, are still required for…
12.1 Introduction Endoscopic cryospray ablation or cryotherapy is a unique method of ablation that offers physicians a versatile choice in the treatment of Barrett’s and early esophageal cancer. The concept of endoscopic cryospray ablation began in the late 1990s with…
11.1 Introduction Barrett’s esophagus (BE) occurs when an abnormal, intestinal-type epithelium called “specialized intestinal metaplasia” replaces the stratified squamous epithelium that normally lines the distal esophagus. The condition develops as a consequence of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease and predisposes to…
10.1 Introduction A general outline of this chapter includes a brief background followed by historical trends of endoscopic ablation (with the exception of radiofrequency ablation and cryospray ablation, which are covered in chapter 11, chapter 12 : Radiofrequency Ablation and…
9.1 Introduction Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is associated with the risk of development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. Current surveillance according to the Seattle protocol includes white light endoscopy (WLE) with the collection of random four-quadrant biopsy specimens over every 1–2 cm of…