Circumferential balloon-based radiofrequency ablation of Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia can be simplified, yet efficacy maintained, by omitting the cleaning phase

Frederike G I van Vilsteren, K Nadine Phoa, Lorenza Alvarez Herrero, Roos E Pouw, Carine M T Sondermeijer, Ineke van Lijnschoten, Kees A Seldenrijk, Mike Visser, Sybren L Meijer, Mark I van Berge Henegouwen, Bas L A M Weusten, Erik J Schoon, Jacques J G H M Bergman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The current procedure for circumferential balloon-based radiofrequency ablation (c-RFA) for the removal of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus (BE) is labor intensive, comprising 2 ablation passes with a cleaning step to remove debris from the ablation zone and electrode. We compared the safety and efficacy of 3 different c-RFA ablation regimens.

METHODS: We performed a prospective trial of consecutive patients with flat-type BE with high-grade dysplasia. Fifty-seven patients (45 men; age, 64 ± 15 y; 28 with prior endoscopic resection) were assigned randomly to groups that underwent c-RFA with a double application of RFA (12 J/cm(2)). The standard group received c-RFA, with device removal and cleaning, followed by c-RFA; the simple-with-cleaning group underwent c-RFA, with device cleaning without removal, followed by c-RFA; and the simple-no-cleaning group received 2 applications of c-RFA, and the device was not removed or cleaned. The primary outcome was surface regression of BE 3 months later, graded by 2 blinded expert endoscopists. Calculated sample size was 57 patients, based on a noninferiority design.

RESULTS: Median BE surface regression at 3 months was 83% in the standard group, 78% in the simple-with-cleaning group, and 88% in the simple-no-cleaning group (P = .14). RF ablation time was 20 minutes (interquartile range [IQR], 18-25 min) for the standard group, 13 minutes (IQR, 11-15 min) for the simple-with-cleaning group, and 5 minutes (IQR, 5-9 min) for the simple-no-cleaning group (P < .01). The median number of introductions (RFA devices/endoscope) for the standard group was 7, vs 4 for the simple groups (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS: This randomized, prospective study suggests that c-RFA is easier and faster, but equally safe and effective, when the cleaning phase between ablations is omitted or simplified. Trialregister.nl, NTR 2495.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)491-98.e1
JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Volume11
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2013

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Barrett Esophagus/pathology
  • Catheter Ablation/adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

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