Barrett's esophagus: observations on diagnosis and management.

Barrett's esophagus is a premalignant condition that may often pass unrecognized in clinical practice. In adults, this condition is generally believed to be caused by chronic gastroesophageal reflux resulting in a metaplastic change in the epithelium of the esophagus. Diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus is established by careful biopsy of the involved esophageal mucosa. Periodic surveillance is recommended because of the risk of carcinoma. Antireflux surgery has not been shown to result consistently in the regression of the metaplastic epithelium, but potent acid suppression offers a new therapeutic approach that leads to healing of esophagitis and the potential regression of Barrett's epithelium.