Endoscopic argon plasma coagulation for the treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia (watermelon stomach): long-term results.

INTRODUCTION

Gastric antral vascular ectasia is a rare but well-recognised cause of occult gastrointestinal bleeding. Various endoscopic treatments have been tried in this condition. We report our experience with argon plasma coagulation in the treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twelve patients with endoscopically proved gastric antral vascular ectasia were included. All patients received argon plasma coagulation with power of 40 W at a median interval of 4 weeks. The pre-treatment haemoglobin and transfusion requirements were compared with the post-treatment values.

RESULTS

There was a sustained increase in mean haemoglobin levels post-treatment. The mean haemoglobin levels pre- and post-treatment were 8.13 +/- 0.70 and 12.2 +/- 0.32 g/dl, respectively (P = 0.008). All patients were anaemic and 58.3% of the patients were transfusion dependent. The mean number of units of blood transfusion in the period 6 months prior to treatment was 11.3 +/- 5.68. Following argon plasma coagulation, the number of transfusions decreased significantly to 1.1 +/- 0.57 units (P = 0.018). No significant procedure-related complications were identified.

CONCLUSION

Argon plasma coagulation is a safe and effective alternative to the currently available endoscopic modalities of treatment for gastric antral vascular ectasia.