INDIA INK TATTOOING IN THE ESOPHAGUS

Background: Precise endoscopic measurement of esophageal landmarks is difficult and inaccurate because of the ability of the esophagus to le ngthen and foreshorten. Methods: Nineteen patients enrolled to date in a study of Barrett's esophagus had an India ink tattoo placed at the most proximal level of the squamocolumnar junction and were examined e ndoscopically at 3, 9, 15, 24, and 36 months. Results: Eighteen of nin eteen patients (94.7%) were judged to have a good to excellent tattoo persistence at 3 months. One of the 19 patients (5.3%) had poor tattoo persistence and was retattooed at the 3-month interval. Eventually, 1 5 of the 15 patients (100%) who remained in the study had a good or ex cellent tattoo persistence at 36 months. There were no complications r elated to India ink tattooing including chest pain, bleeding, or perfo ration. At follow-up endoscopy, no ulcers, inflammation, break in the mucosa, or pain were noted. Conclusion: India ink tattooing in the eso phagus is safe and persistent and may be used as an effective method f or longitudinal follow-up of lesions in the esophagus.