Abstract
Antral vascular ectasia ("watermelon stomach") has recently been defined and characterized. This condition may be a source of significant bleeding from the stomach. Although steroids have been useful in some patients, antrectomy has been advocated as definitive therapy. We have treated 12 patients who were bleeding from this lesion with the Olympus HeatProbe Unit and have eliminated further hemorrhage. All presented with gastrointestinal bleeding, iron-deficiency anemia, and compatible antral biopsies. Using the large probe, vascular streaks were treated until the endoscopic appearance returned to normal (average four treatment sessions). No further bleeding was evident from the antral vascular ectasia over an average follow-up period of 20.9 months. Eight of 10 patients who had required transfusion prior to therapy no longer needed transfusion, but two received blood for other conditions. We conclude that antral vascular ectasia can be successfully treated with the HeatProbe Unit and this should be the initial modality of therapy for this condition.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
