Management of Barrett esophagus with high-grade dysplasia.

High-grade dysplasia in Barrett esophagus is a marker for future development of cancer and for the existence of synchronous cancer. A significant problem in management is intraobserver and interobserver variation in the diagnosis of high-grade dysplasia in Barrett esophagus, the natural history of which is poorly understood; thus, treatment decisions are problematic. The ability to preserve the esophagus with endoscopic mucosal ablation or resection and reduce morbidity of treatment has made endoscopic treatment the mainstay of therapy. Esophagectomy is reserved for treatment failures and for high-grade dysplasia not amenable to less aggressive therapies. This article outlines the data supporting current management strategies.