Barrett’s oesophagus is a premalignant change of the oesophageal mucosa. Due to its relationship with oesophageal reflux disease and the development of oesophageal adenocarcinoma there is at present renewed interest in Barrett’s oesophagus. In the pathogenesis of the disease most probably the combined effect of the refluxed HCl content and duodenal juices plays a part. In the diagnosis in addition to the basic methods – endoscopy and histology, increasingly chromoendoscopy and fluorescent endoscopy play a part. Dispensariza- tion of patients, depending on the grade of pathohistological epithelial changes, is a necessity. Treatment of Barrett’s oesophagus can be divided into conservative where in the majority proton pump inhibitors are used, and surgical treatment. A promising method is ablation of the epithelium combined with subsequent long- term anti-secretory treatment.

        Key words: Barrett’s oesophagus – oesophageal reflux disease