Bronte A Holt1, Vanoo Jayasekeran2, Stephen J Williams2, Eric Y T Lee2, Farzan F Bahin2, Rebecca Sonson2, Reginald V Lord3, Michael J Bourke1. 1. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 2. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 3. St. Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, University of Notre Dame School of Medicine, and University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or intramucosal adenocarcinoma (IMC) can be effectively treated by single-session EMR, resulting in complete Barrett's excision (CBE). CBE provides accurate histology for staging and clinical confirmation of neoplasia eradication but is limited by a high risk of esophageal stricture formation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic temporary esophageal stenting to prevent post-CBE stricture formation. DESIGN AND SETTING: Single-center, investigator-initiated feasibility study. PATIENTS: Circumferential, short-segment Barrett's esophagus (≤C3≤M5) with HGD or IMC. INTERVENTION: Single-stage CBE and insertion of a fully covered metal esophageal stent at 10 days that was removed at 8 weeks. Patients were followed for a minimum of 2 surveillance endoscopies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Symptomatic esophageal stricture formation. RESULTS: At the end of the follow-up period, 8 patients (57.1%) required esophageal dilation for symptomatic CBE-related (n = 7) or stent-related (n = 4) strictures. A median of 3 surveillance endoscopies were performed over a median endoscopic follow-up of 17 months (range 4-25 months). Single-stage CBE successfully eliminated Barrett's intestinal metaplasia and neoplasia in 71.4% and 92.9% of patients, respectively. Four patients were admitted to the hospital, and 4 patients had early stent removal because of pain or dysphagia. LIMITATIONS: Single-center feasibility study. CONCLUSIONS: In a prospective study evaluating prophylactic esophageal stent insertion after single-stage CBE, esophageal strictures formed in more than of half the study cohort, and stents were associated with significant morbidity. An alternative method to reduce stricture formation is required. ( CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01554280.).
BACKGROUND: Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or intramucosal adenocarcinoma (IMC) can be effectively treated by single-session EMR, resulting in complete Barrett's excision (CBE). CBE provides accurate histology for staging and clinical confirmation of neoplasia eradication but is limited by a high risk of esophageal stricture formation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic temporary esophageal stenting to prevent post-CBE stricture formation. DESIGN AND SETTING: Single-center, investigator-initiated feasibility study. PATIENTS: Circumferential, short-segment Barrett's esophagus (≤C3≤M5) with HGD or IMC. INTERVENTION: Single-stage CBE and insertion of a fully covered metal esophageal stent at 10 days that was removed at 8 weeks. Patients were followed for a minimum of 2 surveillance endoscopies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Symptomatic esophageal stricture formation. RESULTS: At the end of the follow-up period, 8 patients (57.1%) required esophageal dilation for symptomatic CBE-related (n = 7) or stent-related (n = 4) strictures. A median of 3 surveillance endoscopies were performed over a median endoscopic follow-up of 17 months (range 4-25 months). Single-stage CBE successfully eliminated Barrett's intestinal metaplasia and neoplasia in 71.4% and 92.9% of patients, respectively. Four patients were admitted to the hospital, and 4 patients had early stent removal because of pain or dysphagia. LIMITATIONS: Single-center feasibility study. CONCLUSIONS: In a prospective study evaluating prophylactic esophageal stent insertion after single-stage CBE, esophageal strictures formed in more than of half the study cohort, and stents were associated with significant morbidity. An alternative method to reduce stricture formation is required. ( CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01554280.).