RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Argon plasma coagulation (APC) of gastric inlet patches of the cervical esophagus (GIP) has been shown to relieve the globus sensation. This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of APC therapy on a variety of laryngopharyngeal symptoms. METHODS: Patients with laryngopharyngeal symptoms who had undergone endoscopic GIP eradication via APC therapy were eligible for a retrospective observational cohort study. Symptom relief was assessed by a five-grade scale during a structured interview. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, the chi-squared and t-test. RESULTS: A total of 45 patients (61.0 (52.0; 69.0) years, 26 (57.8%) female) were included after a follow-up time of 85.0 (55.3; 111.0) months. Symptoms included dysphagia (56.0%), dysphonia (51.0%), hoarseness (76.0%), the necessity of throat clearing (73.0%), globus sensation (56.0%) and heartburn (71.0%). Complete GIP eradication was achieved after one session in 25 (55.6%), repetitive sessions were needed in the remaining cases. Fourteen patients (31.1%) reported a very strong, 11 (24.4%) a strong and 8 patients (17.8%) an intermediate improvement; five patients did not benefit. The most apparent improvement was seen regarding hoarseness (from 2.6 ± 1.7 to 1.2 ± 1.3), the necessity of throat clearing (from 2.6 ± 1.7 to 1.1 ± 1.3), globus sensation (from 2.0 ± 1.9 to 0.9 ± 1.3) and heartburn (from 2.5 ± 1.8 to 1.4 ± 1.6). Adverse events included post-endoscopic pain (n = 6, 13.3%) and purulent pharyngitis (n = 2, 4.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The APC therapy of GIP is safe and leads to long-term relief of laryngopharyngeal symptoms in carefully selected patients.