Indications and efficacy of argon plasma coagulation in gastrointestinal bleed.

Sud, R.; Kumar, M.; Saraf, N.; Puri, R.; Arora, A. and Sama, S.K. (2002) Indications and efficacy of argon plasma coagulation in gastrointestinal bleed. Indian Journal of Gastroenterology, 21. A78-A79.

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Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of argon plasma coagulation (APC) in various causes of upper and lower GI bleed. Method: Thirty seven patients (17M, 20F), who underwent APC for upper and lower GI bleed of various causes, were analyzed prospectively over a 15 month period (April, 2001-June, 2002). APC was done using ERBE APC 300 instrument. Results: Out of 37 patients APC was done in 13 patients for radiation proctitis, in 9 patients for gastropathy (PGP 6, GAVE 3), and in 5 patients for ooze in GI malignancies. 10 patients underwent APC for bleed due to arteriovenous malformations. APC was most effective in controlling bleed in patients with AVMs (100% 10/10). 8 of the 13 patients with radiation proctitis had complete cessation of bleed, while the rest had minor bleed but did not require blood transfusions. All the 5 patients with GI malignancy had carcinoma stomach, APC was effective in controlling bleed from the tumor in 3 patients. Of the 9 patients with gastropathy, APC was effective in all patients of GAVE, but only 3 patients with portal gastropathy had control of bleed. Conclusion: APC is a very safe and effective treatment modality for bleed due to AVMs, GAVE and radiation proctitis. It decreases the blood transfusion requirement in GI malignancies and portal gastropathy.

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