Argon plasma coagulation ablation versus endoscopic surveillance of Barrett's esophagus: late outcomes from two randomized trials

129 pts with Barrett's esophagus with either no or low grade dysplasia were randomized to ablation with the argon plasma coagulator (APC) or observation.  Ablation of >95% of Barrett's mucosa was initially achieved in 61 of 63 in the APC group.  This decreased to 21 of 32 at long-term follow-up (>84 mos).  The length of Barrett's decreased in the surveillance group from 4.2 cm at presentation to 2.7 cm at long-term follow-up.   Sporadic low grade and high grade dysplasia developed in both groups, indicating that persistent surveillance is required.