Focal cryoballoon versus radiofrequency ablation of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus: impact on treatment response and postprocedural pain

Background and Aims: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is safe and effective for eradicating Barrett's esophagus (BE) but is associated with significant postprocedural pain. Alternatively, balloon-based focal cryoablation (CRYO) has recently been developed, which preserves the extracellular matrix and might therefore be less painful. Although data for CRYO are still limited, uncontrolled studies suggest comparable safety and efficacy to RFA in eradicating limited BE areas. Therefore, secondary endpoints such as pain might become decisive for treatment selection. We aimed to compare efficacy and tolerability between focal CRYO and RFA. Methods: We identified BE patients undergoing focal ablation (either RFA or CRYO) of all visible BE from our prospective cohort in 2 Dutch referral centers. After ablation, patients completed a 14-day digital diary to assess chest pain (0-10), dysphagia (0-4), and analgesics use. A follow-up endoscopy was scheduled after 3 months to assess the BE surface regression (blindly scored by 2 independent BE expert endoscopists). Outcomes were BE surface regression; 14-day cumulative scores (area under the curves [AUCs]) for pain, dysphagia, analgesics, and peak pain. Results: We identified 46 patients (20 CRYO, 26 RFA) with similar baseline characteristics. The BE regression was comparable (88% vs 90%, P =.62). AUCs for pain, dysphagia, and analgesics were significantly smaller after CRYO versus RFA (all P <.01). Peak pain was lower after CRYO (visual analog scale 2 vs 4, P <.01), and the duration of pain was also shorter after CRYO (2 vs 4 days, P <.01). CRYO patients used analgesics for 2 days versus 4 days for RFA (P <.01). Conclusions: In this multicenter, nonrandomized cohort study, we found no differences in efficacy after a single treatment with CRYO and RFA for short-segment BE. Patients reported less pain after CRYO as compared with RFA. Moreover, CRYO patients used fewer analgesics. Our results suggest a different pain course favoring CRYO over RFA, but a randomized trial is needed for definitive conclusions. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02249975.)