Balloon cryoablation for Barrett’s oesophagus

NICE did a rapid review of the published literature on the efficacy and safety of this procedure. This comprised a comprehensive literature search and detailed review of the evidence from 7 sources, which was discussed by the committee. The evidence included 1 non-randomised comparative study, 5 case series (including 1 abstract reporting safety events) and 1 case report (abstract reporting safety events). It is presented in table 2a of the interventional procedures overview. Other relevant literature is in the appendix of the overview.

The professional experts and the committee considered the key efficacy outcomes to be resolution of Barrett's oesophagus and quality of life.

The professional experts and the committee considered the key safety outcomes to be pain, oesophageal perforation and subsequent oesophageal stricture formation.

Patient commentary was sought but none was received.

The committee encourages the establishment of a registry for this procedure.

The committee noted an incidence of device failure but was informed that the technology is evolving.

The committee was informed that this procedure may lead to less pain than radiofrequency ablation for Barrett's oesophagus.