Radiofrequency ablation results in treatment of Barrett's esophagus

Objective: To evaluate results of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treatment of Barrett’s esophagus.Methods: 80 patients underwent RFA procedure because of Barrett’s esophagus between 2012 and 2019. 40 patients from control group underwent fundoplication only. Preoperative tests included upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, radiography, pH-monitoring and esophageal manometry. Groups were statistically homogenous. We performed follow-up endoscopy 3,6 and 12 months after RFA.Results: Indication for RFA was Barrett’s esophagus with any length and any type of metaplasia. We performed 84 RFA procedures in 80 patients. Total metaplasia eradication was achieved in 97,5% after 1 procedure and in 100% after 2 procedures. Recurrence of metaplasia occured in 2 patients who underwent only RFA without fundoplication.Conclusions: RFA has demonstrated high safety and 100% effectiveness. The optimal scheme is two-step treatment including antireflux surgery and radiofrequency ablation in combination with drug therapy.