Gastrointestinal sistemde argon plazma koagulasyon (APC) uygulaması: Klinik deneyimlerimiz

Abstract

Background and Aims: The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze use of argon plasma coagulation in lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. Materials and Methods: Data of 92 patients treated with an argon plasma coagulation system in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract between May 2005 and November 2006, using a VIO argon plasma coagulation device (VIO 300 D with argon plasma coagulation 2; Erbe Elektromedizin, Tubingen, Germany; pulsed argon plasma coagulation, 20?120 W), were reviewed and analyzed. Results: Ninety-two patients were treated with argon plasma coagulation, and the mean age was 61.84 (3-91) years. Fifty of these patients were male (54.3%) and 42 (45.7%) were female. Ninety-two patients were treated in 155 sessions. The mean number of treatment sessions required was 1.68 (1?12). Indications were vascular lesions (24 patients), bleeding peptic ulcers or prevention of bleeding recurrence (19 patients), adjunctive therapy after piecemeal resection of colonic polyps (17 patients), palliative treatment of gastrointestinal tract cancers, treatment of bleeding after polypectomy or biopsy (11 patients), ablation of inlet patch (11 patients), ablation of Barrett?s esophagus (5 patients), radiation proctopathy (4 patients), and metallic stent cut (1 patient). There were no major complications observed. Minor complications were seen in only five patients (bleeding in 2, chest pain in 1, anal pain in 2 patients). Conclusions: Argon plasma coagulation system was an effective and safe method in various gastrointestinal pathologies.