Use of Lansoprazolo for Barret's esophagous

  I have a short Barret's esophagous (1 inch).
  My doctor prescribed to me o take 15mg Lansoprazolo for 1 year and then I will have a control endoscopy while in two years I will have  a new istological test.
  On the Lansoprazolo application sheet contained in the box (ZOTON 15) it is written to not take it for more than 2 months and moreover it is never mentioned the use for Barret's esophagous.
  So my questions are :
  - Is the Lansoprazolo effective for Barret's esophagous  ?
  - Are there any risk in a so extended use of Lansoprazolo ?
  - Why my doctor wants to have a control endoscopy (without istological check) after 1 year?
  thank you in advance
  Michele
Dear Michele,
Barrett's esophagus is a change in the lining of the lower foodpipe. If the lining looks like the lining of the intestine it is called intestinal metaplasia and is associated with a higher risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma. Therefore, if this lesion is identified, it is currently recommended to have periodic endoscopies with biopsies to look for may develop in this tissue. The term Barrett's esophagus refers to a dysplasia (glandular distortion). Dysplasia is the first sign that cancer change in the lining that is at least 2 cm in length. Shorter segments are currently referred to as short segment Barrett's esophagus. It remains unclear whether short segment Barrett's esophagus carries the same, less or no risk of developing adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. If high grade dysplasia is present on tissue biopsies taken during endoscopy the standard treatment is surgical resection. However, other treatments (such as photodynamic therapy, bipolar coagulation, argon plasma coagulation)to destroy the tissue in this area are being researched. More research is needed before these methods can be routinely recommended.
Medications to suppress acid such as lansoprazole (Prevacid) help suppress inflammation but have not been shown to significantly reverse Barrett's esophagus. It is thought that by suppressing inflammation, one can prevent further damage to the lower esophagus and thus prevent the development of cancer. This hypothesis has never been proven. Proton pump inhibitors such as omeperazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid) have been used in European patients for at least 5 years with good effect and low incidence of side effects. I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians