Abstract

Ongoing gastroesophageal reflux may impair healing and re-epithelialization after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of Barrett's esophagus (BE). Because prior fundoplication may improve reflux control, our aim was to assess the relationship between prior fundoplication and the safety/efficacy of RFA.We assessed the U.S. RFA Registry, a nationwide registry of BE patients receiving RFA at 148 institutions, to compare the safety and efficacy of ablation between those with prior fundoplication and those with medical management (proton pump inhibition).Among 5,537 patients receiving RFA, 301 (5.4 %) had prior fundoplication. Of fundoplication subjects, 1.0 % developed stricture and 1.0 % were hospitalized after RFA. Rates of stricture, bleeding, and hospitalization were not statistically different (p?=?ns) between patients with and without prior fundoplication. Complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia and complete eradication of dysplasia were achieved in 71 % and 87 % of fundoplication patients, and 73 % and 87 % of patients without fundoplication, respectively (p?=?ns for both). Patients with prior fundoplication needed similar numbers of RFA sessions for eradication compared with those without fundoplication.Radiofrequency ablation, with or without prior fundoplication, is safe and effective in eradicating BE. Prior fundoplication was associated with similar adverse event and efficacy rates when compared with medical management.

View details for DOI 10.1007/s11605-012-2001-8

View details for Web of Science ID 000313074300008

View details for PubMedID 22965650