Narrow band imaging assisted argon plasma coagulation for Barrett's esophagus / 中华消化内镜杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate narrow band imaging (NBI) assisted argon plasma coagulation (APC) in treatment of Barrett's esophagus (BE). Methods Suspected BE lesion was observed under white light, NBI and magnification, biopsies were taken at the site with characteristic pit pattern and capillary architecture of BE. A total of 86 patients with pathologically confirmed BE were randomly divided into NBI group (n= 42) to receive APC under NBI, or control group (n= 44) to receive APC under whit light. For APC procedure, the probe was inserted through biopsy channel to reach 1 cm beyond the endoscope tip, and was located 1-2 cm from the lesion to assure safe use. All patients were followed up with endoscopy and biopsy at 3 and 6 months after APC, respectively. Results There was no significant difference between 2 groups in effective rate of BE mucosal eradication at 3 and 6 months after APC procedure (P > 0.05). Conclusion NBI assisted APC is safe and effective in eradication of BE epithelium, in reducing procedure time and in relieving of functional gastrointestinal symptoms related with BE.