Endoscopic ablation of dysplastic Barrett's oesophagus comparing argon plasma coagulation and photodynamic therapy: a randomized prospective trial assessing efficacy and cost-effectiveness

This is a critical abstract of an economic evaluation that meets the criteria for inclusion on NHS EED. Each abstract contains a brief summary of the methods, the results and conclusions followed by a detailed critical assessment on the reliability of the study and the conclusions drawn. Although photodynamic therapy (PDT) and argon plasma coagulation (APC) were similarly effective in eradicating Barrett's mucosa, PDT was more effective in eradicating dysplasia within the Barrett's segment but at an extra cost. The occurrence of buried columnar glands and carcinoma warrants caution. Whether it is worth incurring the extra cost depends on the benefits of dysplasia eradication and cancer prevention.