A simplified regimen for focal radiofrequency ablation of Barrett's mucosa: a randomized multicenter trial comparing two ablation regimens

Frederike G I van Vilsteren, K Nadine Phoa, Lorenza Alvarez Herrero, Roos E Pouw, Carine M T Sondermeijer, Mike Visser, Fiebo J W Ten Kate, Mark I van Berge Henegouwen, Bas L A M Weusten, Erik J Schoon, Jacques J G H M Bergman

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: The currently recommended regimen for focal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of Barrett's esophagus (BE) comprises 2 applications of energy, cleaning of the device and ablation zone, and 2 additional applications of energy. A simplified regimen may be of clinical utility if it is faster, easier, and equally safe and effective.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of 2 focal RFA regimens.

SETTING: Three tertiary referral centers.

PATIENTS: Consecutive patients scheduled for focal RFA of BE with flat type BE with at least 2 BE islands or mosaic groups of islands were enrolled.

INTERVENTIONS: BE areas were paired: 1 area was randomized to the "standard" regimen (2 × 15 J/cm(2)-clean-2 × 15 J/cm(2)) or to the "simplified" regimen (3 × 15 J/cm(2)-no clean), allocating the second area automatically to the other regimen. The percentage of surface area regression of each area was scored at 2 months by the endoscopist (blinded).

OUTCOME MEASURE: Proportion of completely removed BE areas at 2 months. Calculated sample size was 46 pairs of BE areas using a noninferiority design. Noninferiority was defined as <20% difference in the paired proportions.

RESULTS: Forty-five equivalent pairs of BE areas were included in 41 patients. The proportion of completely removed BE areas at 2 months after focal RFA was 30 (67%) for standard and 33 (73%) for simplified. Noninferiority was demonstrated by a 7% difference (95% CI, -10.6 to +20.9).

LIMITATIONS: Tertiary referral centers.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this multicenter randomized trial suggest that a simplified 3 × 15 J/cm(2) focal ablation regimen is not inferior to the standard regimen, regarding the endoscopic removal of residual Barrett islands.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)30-8
Number of pages9
JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy
Volume78
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2013

Keywords

  • Aged
  • Barrett Esophagus/pathology
  • Catheter Ablation/instrumentation
  • Catheters
  • Education, Medical, Continuing
  • Esophageal Neoplasms/prevention & control
  • Esophagoscopy/methods
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/methods
  • Mucous Membrane/pathology
  • Netherlands
  • Operative Time
  • Patient Selection
  • Precancerous Conditions/pathology
  • Risk Assessment
  • Tertiary Care Centers
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

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