Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma by R. E. Sampliner & S. Prateek (Eds.) (2001). Malden, NJ: Blackwell

Barrett's Esophagus is a hardcover medical text consisting of 20 detailed chapters covering the diseases, pathological findings, cellular changes, molecular changes, laboratory analysis findings, and treatment options for treating Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. There are 32 contributing physicians from across the United States and 2 from Canada. Not only are these physicians expert gastroenterologists, but they are also associated with well-respected medical centers, universities, research laboratories, and Veterans Affairs Centers. Several are well known as national experts in the area of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer.

The chapters in this text include the following: "Barrett's Esophagus: Definition and Diagnosis," "The Epidemiology and Prevalence of Barrett's Esophagus and Adenocarcinoma," " The Role of Acid in the Pathogenesis of Barrett's Esophagus," "The Role of Bile Reflux in Barrett's Esophagus," "Esophageal Motility Abnormalities in Barrett's Esophagus," "Challenge to the Esophageal Pre-epithelial Mucosal Defense in Barrett's Esophagus and Its Clinical Sequelae," "The Role of Helicobacter pylori in Barrett's Esophagus," "The Molecular Biology of Barrett's Esophagus," "The History of Barrett's Esophagus: Metaplasia and Dysplasia," "Screening and Surveillance of Barrett's Esophagus," "Cost-Effective Management of Barrett's Esophagus," "Chromoendoscopy in Barrett's Esophagus," "Novel Optical Diagnostic Techniques for the Recognition of Metaplasia and Dysplasia," "Medical Management of Barrett's Esophagus," "Endoscopic Reversal of Barrett's Esophagus with Electrocoagulation and Argon Plasma Coagulation," "Ablation of Barrett's Esophagus with Laser and Photodynamic Therapy," "The Role of Endoscopic Ultrasonography in Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma," "Surgical Therapy of Barrett's Esophagus," "Esophageal and Esophagogastric Junction Adenocarcinoma," and "The Options for Palliation of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma." Each chapter includes several references for further reading in the area. Many of them are research-based articles.

The text is printed in a small font, and most figures, tables, and some photographs are in black and white. Black-and-white figures of dysplasia and disease are included; however, it is difficult to fully appreciate the cell changes without color. The same is true of the black-and-white images from radial endoscopic ultrasound procedures (EUS) and endoscopic views of a deployed esophageal stent, especially for the novice practitioner or nurse. There are some color plates that include actual endoscopic images of the normal and abnormal distal esophagus that are very helpful to the reader. In addition, there are some color plates that show staining and fluorescence imaging that are also of interest. To those nurses and physicians who are familiar with endoscopic intervention, there are also color plates of a tight esophageal stricture and a fully deployed metal stent as an intervention to dilation.

Overall, this book is compiled by nationally recognized researchers and physicians in the study of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. This book is illustrative of the clinical studies and research in which the contributing authors have participated and for which they are recognized. The reader must realize that this data is several years old, and thus there may be emerging techniques under evaluation by many of these contributors that are not included. Overall, this text appears to best meet the needs of gastrointestinal fellows, gastroenterologists, and physicians who are interested in this topic. This may also appeal to any nurse who has advanced knowledge in the area of Barrett's esophagus, although the content is strictly from a medical model.