Surgical options and outcomes in Barrett's esophagus

Purpose of review Barrett's esophagus is a complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux that results in the replacement of normal stratified squamous epithelium in the distal esophagus by metaplastic columnar mucosa and it carries a 30-fold to 125-fold risk of progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Recent findings Laparoscopic antireflux surgery has proved durable and effective in treating reflux and reflux-related symptoms in patients with Barrett's esophagus. Recent studies have also focused on the histological changes induced in Barrett's epithelium by antireflux surgery. This article reviews the current literature, analysing the impact of antireflux surgery on both the clinical and the histopathological outcomes. Summary Recent studies have disproved the widely held assumption that, once established, Barrett's esophagus does not change. Antireflux surgery can achieve a regression of intestinal metaplasia to cardia mucosa in patients with Barrett's esophagus and may thus alter the natural history of the disease.