How often should patients with Barrett's oesophagus undergo surveillance endoscopy?

Patients with Barrett's oesophagus should undergo surveillance endoscopy every 3 to 5 years, depending on the grade of dysplasia identified during previous surveillance. The correct choice of every 6 months aligns with the established guidelines for patients with high-grade dysplasia or those who have undergone ablative therapy. This frequency allows for timely intervention in the event that any dysplastic changes progress towards esophageal cancer, as Barrett's oesophagus is a precursor condition.

The management strategy typically emphasizes close monitoring for those at higher risk, while patients with low-grade dysplasia might be monitored less frequently. Therefore, endoscopic surveillance every 6 months can be justified in certain patients, particularly when there's a clinical concern or prior high-grade dysplasia detected. Regular surveillance in this manner facilitates early detection and improves the overall management of the patient's condition, which is crucial in preventing the progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Thus, the rationale for this frequency centers on balancing the need for adequate monitoring with the understanding of cancer progression rates in Barrett's oesophagus.

In contrast, the other options – annually, every 3 months, and every 2 years – do not follow the recommended surveillance intervals based on dysplasia status and may not provide the necessary oversight required to ensure