Surveillance for Barrett's oesophagus: is there light at the end of the metaplastic tunnel?

Metaplastic change of the oesophageal epithelium from normal stratified squamous to columnar-lined with intestinal metaplasia results in an increased risk of development of adenocarcinoma. As a result, endoscopic surveillance has been recommended for the surgically-fit patient. The evidence that these programmes are altering clinical outcome to any major degree, however, is weak. This review highlights some of the areas of controversy and outstanding points that need to be clarified to allow establishment of evidence-based medicine for this condition.