Summary:
Introduction and aim: Argon plasma coagulation is a new non-contact monopolar electrocoagulation method.
In digestive endoscopy has been used since 1991. The goal of this paper is to verify the method and include it
into standard therapeutic methods.
Methods: Argon plasma coagulator ERBE company with probes length 220 cm and width 2.3 and 3.2 mm was
used. Electric output was between 45–75 W and gas flow 1.4–2.4 litre per minute. Number of sessions was
between l to 6.
Results: Since September 2002 till December 2003 26 patients (12 males and 14 females) were managed in 59
sessions. For hemostasis dominated postiradiation proctitis and cancer bleeding. For lesions destruction dominated
recanalisation of stenotic neoplastic lesions. Except two patients bleeding from recurrent stomach
carcinoma all other patients were managed successfully. No complications were seen.
Conclusions: In spite of short term experience allow us to appreciate argon plasma coagulation as a safe,
non-problematic, cost effective and high efective endoscopy method.
Key words:
argon plasma coagulation – digestive endoscopy – hemostasis – tissue ablation
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