Grade and colleagues reported no complications in their study. The fact that most devices used for this therapy do not destroy the entire mucosa should make the techniques relatively safe. APC therapy has been touted as being safe, because theoretically perforation and deep injury will not occur. Yet there have been reports of perforation following use of APC therapy in this setting. PDT is associated with strictures.
Complications are likely to be observed with the other techniques as well.
Nonetheless, further study is required to define the safest effective technique. The answer is we don't know. It is possible that we are covering up the Barrett's and that future surveillance for dysplasia or cancer will now be impossible. M. Brian Fennerty, MD Professor of Medicine Section Chief, Gastroenterology Oregon Health Sciences University Portland, Oregon Click here to print this page.