Argon plasma coagulation for Barrett's esophagus

Barrett's esophagus is a metaplastic complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease that predisposes to the development of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Treatment of the condition centers on acid suppression and prevention of progression to high-grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma. Endoscopic ablation of the Barrett's mucosa, with reversion of intestinal metaplasia to squamous epithelium, may achieve the latter aim and can be performed using various modalities. There are many ablation options to eradicate the Barrett's mucosa. This review will focus on a review of the published data reporting ablation of Barrett's mucosa using argon plasma coagulation. This use of argon plasma coagulation for the ablation of Barrett's mucosa has previously been reviewed by Franchimont et al (Gastrointest Endosc Clin N Am 13:457-466, 2003) and Nomura et al (Nippon Rinsho 63:1458-1462, 2005).