Argon plasma coagulation therapy for hemorrhagic radiation proctosigmoiditis.
Gastrointest Endosc
; 50(2): 221-4, 1999 Aug.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-10425416
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Radiation-induced proctosigmoiditis is a serious complication of pelvic radiation therapy. Rectal bleeding occurs among 6% to 8% of these patients and is extremely difficult to manage. Pharmacotherapy is generally ineffective, whereas surgical treatment is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Argon plasma coagulation is a new method of noncontact electrocoagulation well suited for hemostasis of large bleeding areas.METHODS:
From December 1996 through March 1998, we used argon plasma coagulation to treat 28 patients with hemorrhagic radiation-induced proctosigmoiditis. Indications for treatment were anemia (n = 18) and persistent bleeding despite pharmacotherapy (n = 10). Argon flow and electrical power were set at 1.5 L/min and 50 W. The severity of rectal bleeding was graded from 0 to 4 (highest), and hemoglobin levels were recorded before and after treatment.RESULTS:
Eighty-two therapeutic sessions were performed (median 2.9 sessions per patient). The severity score for rectal bleeding dropped at least 1 point for all but 2 patients, and the mean value decreased from 2.96 to 0.68. Average hemoglobin level increased 1.2 gm/dL (1.9 gm/dL among anemic patients). No serious complications were observed.CONCLUSIONS:
Argon plasma coagulation appears to be a simple, safe, and effective technique in the management of hemorrhagic radiation-induced proctosigmoiditis.
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Proctocolite
/
Lesões por Radiação
/
Doenças do Colo Sigmoide
/
Endoscópios
/
Sigmoidoscópios
/
Eletrocoagulação
/
Hemorragia Gastrointestinal
Limite:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Gastrointest Endosc
Ano de publicação:
1999
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Portugal