Year 2008 / Volume 100 / Number 10
Original
Evaluation of the endoscopic response to argon plasma coagulation in patients with chronic radiation proctopathy

pp. 619-624

Latorre Sánchez, M. / Sempere García-Argüelles, J. / Barceló Cerdá, S. / Huguet Malaves, J. M. / Canelles Gamir, P. / Quiles Teodoro, F. / Medina Chuliá, E.

Abstract
Objectives: to evaluate endoscopic improvement after argon plasma coagulation (APC) in symptomatic patients with chronic radiation proctopathy.

Methods and patients: a prospective study of 38 patients with radiation proctitis (26 males and 12 females, mean age 70.9 ± 7.38 yrs), and with rectal bleeding and or anemia. We performed monthly interviews, blood tests, and APC sessions until rectal bleeding had ceased and hemoglobin and ferritin levels were improved, with a follow-up of 24 months. We used blood testing, bleeding scores (Chutckhan’s index), and endoscopic scores to evaluate improvement.

Results: mean time between inclusion and follow-up completion was 28.5 ± 3.9 months. Mean number of sessions per patient was 3.6 ± 2.7. There was a significant decrease (2.29 ± 1.8 vs. 0.59 ± 1.12, p < 0.05) in rectal bleeding (Chutckan score) from baseline after APC. There was a significant increase in hemoglobin levels (11.3 ± 3.05 vs. 14.014 ± 1.29, p < 0.001) and ferritin levels (31.15 ± 66.45 vs. 80.60 ± 55.6, p < 0.05) from baseline after APC. Also, there was improvement in the endoscopic index at the end of treatment, as well as in friability (p < 0.0001) and involved surface area (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: argon plasma coagulation is an effective technique, and the endoscopic index is a useful tool to evaluate endoscopic improvement.
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Latorre Sánchez, M. / Sempere García-Argüelles, J. / Barceló Cerdá, S. / Huguet Malaves, J. M. / Canelles Gamir, P. / Quiles Teodoro, F. / Medina Chuliá, E.. Evaluation of the endoscopic response to argon plasma coagulation in patients with chronic radiation proctopathy. 619-624


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