Place of plasma argon coagulation in the treatment of vascular abnormalities of the digestive tract in adults

The aim of our study is to evaluate the value of Argon Plasma Coagulation in the treatment of gastrointestinal vascular abnormalities. Patients and methods: This is a descriptive and analytical retrospective study, from January 2009 to September 2020. 198 patients who have benefited from treatment with Argon Plasma Coagulation for vascular anomalies of the digestive tract divided into 2 groups: -Group A: Patients with radial rectitis lesions (n = 107). -Group B: Patients with lesions of digestive angiodysplasia (n = 91). Results: The mean age of our patients was 64.95 ± 9.88 years [43 - 83] in group A, while in group B the mean age was 65.19 ± 14.29 years [40 - 91] with a clear male predominance in 72.5%. The majority of patients in group A were followed for prostate cancer in 33,8%, and 26.3% of patients in group B had chronic renal failure, followed by stomach cancer in 15.8%, and esophageal cancer in 10.5%. Clinical symptomatology was dominated by rectories in 40.2% in group A versus 46.8% in group B. Rectal involvement was dominated in group A in 98.1%, whereas in group B the lesions were mainly located in the stomach in 60.5%. The endoscopic evolution was favorable in all our patients with a clear improvement of rectal lesions and digestive angiodysplasia lesions. The total complication rate in our series was nil. Conclusion: Plasma Argon coagulation is a very effective method in the endoscopic treatment of digestive haemorrhages with good tolerability and a low complication rate. (AU)

Argon Beam Coagulation as an Adjuvant for Extended Curettage for Giant Cell Tumors of the Bone: A Study of 50 Cases / Coagulação por plasma de argônio como adjuvante à curetagem estendida em tumores de células gigantes do osso: Um estudo de 50 casos

Abstract Objective Extended curettage with adjuvants of giant cell tumors of bone is associated with a lower rate of recurrence of the tumor while preserving the adjacent joint. The present study was conducted to estimate the recurrence rate and functional outcome after using argon beam as an adjuvant for extended curettage. Methods We selected 50 patients with giant cell tumors, meeting all the inclusion criteria, who underwent extended curettage using high speed burr and argon beam photocoagulation between July 2016 to January 2019. On their follow-up visit, they were assessed for any complaints of pain and signs like tenderness, locally raised temperature, and decreased range of motion of the adjacent joint. Radiologically, the patients were assessed for any increased lucency around the cement mantle and uptake of the subarticular graft. Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS) was administered to the patients, and range of motion of the adjacent joint was compared with the contralateral joint. Results Recurrence was found in 4 patients, that is, an 8% recurrence rate. Twenty-six out of 28 patients with a tumor in the lower limb had a grade-5 weight bearing status 6 months from the surgery, and their range of motion was comparable to contralateral healthy joint with an average MSTS score of 27 (18-30). Conclusion Extended curettage of giant cell tumors using argon beam coagulation is associated with low recurrence rates of the tumor and is an effective modality in the treatment of these tumors besides having a functional outcome comparable to the healthy limb.

Resumo Objetivo A curetagem estendida com adjuvantes de tumores de células gigantes do osso está associada a uma menor taxa de recidiva da neoplasia e à preservação da articulação adjacente. Este estudo foi feito para estimar a taxa de recidiva e o resultado funcional após o uso de plasma de argônio como adjuvante à curetagem estendida. Métodos Cinquenta pacientes com tumores de células gigantes que atendiam a todos os critérios de inclusão foram selecionados para o estudo e submetidos à curetagem estendida com broca de alta velocidade e fotocoagulação com plasma de argônio entre julho de 2016 e janeiro de 2019. À consulta de acompanhamento, os pacientes foram avaliados quanto a quaisquer queixas de dor e sinais como sensibilidade, aumento local da temperatura e diminuição da amplitude de movimento da articulação adjacente. Radiologicamente, os pacientes foram avaliados quanto à presença de qualquer aumento de radiotransparência ao redor do manto de cimento e incorporação do enxerto subarticular. O questionário Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS) foi administrado aos pacientes e a amplitude de movimentação da articulação adjacente foi comparada à articulação contralateral. Resultados Quatro pacientes apresentaram recidiva, o que corresponde a uma taxa de 8%. Seis meses após a cirurgia, 26 de 28 pacientes com tumor no membro inferior tinham capacidade de sustentação de peso de grau 5 e amplitude de movimento comparável à articulação saudável contralateral, com pontuação MSTS média de 27 (intervalo de 18 a 30). Conclusão A curetagem estendida de tumores de células gigantes com coagulação por plasma de argônio está associada a baixas taxas de recidiva da neoplasia; é uma modalidade eficaz no tratamento desses tumores e o resultado funcional é comparável ao do membro saudável.

Tratamiento endoscópico del esófago de Barrett con displasia de bajo y alto grado / Endoscopic treatment of Barrett's esophagus with low- and high-grade dysplasia

RESUMEN Introducción: El esófago de Barrett es una condición esofágica adquirida, que puede evolucionar a un adenocarcinoma. Con el paso de los años, la terapia endoscópica ha remplazado la cirugía en el tratamiento de esta afección. Objetivos: Mostrar los resultados de la aplicación de la técnica de resección endoscópica de la mucosa y la ablación con Hibrid-APC en pacientes portadores de esófago de Barrett con displasia de bajo o alto grado. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo en 29 pacientes entre los años 2014-2019, en el Servicio de endoscopias del Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso. Se estudiaron variables sociodemográficas, se estableció la clasificación endoscópica del esófago de Barrett, se describieron las características de la lesión, el diagnóstico histológico, la terapéutica endoscópica, la presencia de complicaciones, la resección incompleta y recidiva. Se aplicaron técnicas de estadística descriptiva y métodos no paramétricos. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino (58,62 %) y el grupo de 41-60 años (58,62 %). El segmento corto con lesiones planas y el largo con lesiones elevadas fueron más frecuentes (37,93 %). Se realizaron 15 resecciones y 14 ablaciones con Hibrid-APC; se observó una estenosis como complicación de la resección endoscópica de la mucosa y recidivas con ambas técnicas (5 pacientes, 17 %), tres relacionadas con la resección y dos con el Hibrid-APC. El Hibrid-APC alcanzó una efectividad terapéutica del 85,71 % y la resección del 80 %. Conclusiones: El tratamiento endoscópico con displasia de bajo y alto grado, mostró ser un procedimiento efectivo y seguro, con bajo porciento de complicaciones y recidivas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Barrett's esophagus is an acquired esophageal condition that can evolve into an adenocarcinoma. Over the years, endoscopic therapy has replaced surgery in the treatment of this condition. Objectives: to show the results of the application of the endoscopic mucosal resection and Hybrid-APC ablation technique in patients with Barrett's esophagus with low-grade or high-grade dysplasia. Methods: a descriptive and retrospective study was carried out in 29 patients between 2014 and 2019, in the Endoscopy service of the National Center for Minimal Access Surgery. Social and demographic variables were studied; endoscopic classification of Barrett's esophagus was established, as well as the characteristics of the lesion, histological diagnosis, endoscopic therapy, the presence of complications, incomplete resection and recurrence were described. Descriptive statistics techniques and non-parametric methods were applied. Results: male gender (58.62%) and the group aged 41-60 years (58.62%) predominated. The short segment with flat lesions and the long segment with raised lesions were more frequent (37.93%). A number of 15 resections and 14 ablations were performed with Hybrid-APC; one stricture was observed as a complication of endoscopic mucosal resection and recurrences with both techniques (5 patients, 17%), three related to resection and two to Hybrid-APC. The Hybrid-APC achieved a therapeutic effectiveness of 85.71% and the resection one of 80%. Conclusions: endoscopic treatment with low- and high-grade dysplasia proved to be an effective and safe procedure, with a low percentage of complications and recurrences.

Argon plasma coagulation in radiation-induced proctitis

Abstract Background Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a non-tactile ablative therapy that helps to stop rectal bleeding in patients who have developed actinic proctitis after exposure to radiotherapy. This approach seems to be more effective than medications or surgical procedures. Objective To review the literature to verify the effectiveness of APC in the treatment of patients with actinic proctitis induced by radiation therapies. Methods A systematic search was conducted on the following databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS, SCIELO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We identified 81 studies, and 5 of them fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results In the articles included, a total of 236 patients were evaluated. Most of them were men (67.7%) with a mean age of 66.6 years. Prostate cancer was the main cause of actinic proctitis (67.3%), and control of the bleeding was achieved in 83.3% of the cases, after a mean of 1.67 session of APC. Moreover, 66 patients had complications with the treatment, and rectal pain was the most referred. Conclusions Argon plasma coagulation is a well-tolerated and effective treatment to control rectal bleeding in patients who underwent radiotherapy, and the number of sessions varies from 1 to 2, according to the case. (AU)

Argón plasma: respuesta terapéutica y calidad de vida en pacientes con proctitis actínica crónica hemorrágica / Impact of exclusive breastfeeding withdrawal on the health of babies

Introducción: La proctitis actínica crónica hemorrágica (PACH) se presenta secundaria a la radioterapia pélvica. La coagulación con argón plasma (APC) es una terapéutica eficaz, segura, de fácil uso y relativo bajo costo. Objetivo: Describir la respuesta terapéutica a corto y largo plazo del APC en pacientes con PACH, así como evaluar la calidad de vida antes y después de la intervención. Material y Métodos: Estudio observacional, prospectivo de serie de casos en 46 pacientes con PACH, atendidos en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso entre 2017 y 2020. Se emplearon medidas de resumen y comparación de medias (t de Student pareada) para la hemoglobina inicial y final, así como para los puntajes de calidad de vida aplicados antes y después de la intervención. Para determinar el tiempo libre de resangrado se utilizó l Método de Kaplan-Meier. Se estimó una significación menor a 0.05 para un intervalo de confianza de 95 por . Resultados: Se necesitó una media de 3,6 ± 2,394 sesiones de APC. La media de hemoglobina se incrementó 1,9 g/L. La respuesta terapéutica a corto plazo se observó en 100 por ciento de los pacientes y a largo plazo en 91,3 . La media de puntaje para la calidad de vida descendió en 12,065 puntos (p˂ 0,00), La percepción global percibida se incrementó en una media de 7.326 puntos (p˂ 0,00). Conclusiones: El APC tiene buena respuesta terapéutica a corto y largo plazo con pocas sesiones y bajo número de complicaciones, con mejoría de la calidad de vida de los pacientes(AU)

Introduction: Chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctitis (CHRP) appears secondary to pelvic radiotherapy. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is an effective, safe, easy-to-use, and relatively inexpensive therapy. Objective: To describe the short- and long-term therapeutic response of APC in patients with CHRP, as well as to evaluate the quality of life before and after the intervention. Material and Methods: Observational, prospective case series study of 46 patients with CHRP, treated at the National Center for Minimally Access Surgery between 2017 and 2020. Summary measures and comparison of means (paired Student's t-test) were used for baseline and final hemoglobin, as well as for the quality of life scores applied before and after the intervention. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine the recurrence free time. A level of significance less than 0.05 was estimated for a 95 por ciento confidence interval. Results: A mean of 3,6 ± 2,394 APC sessions was required. The mean hemoglobin increased 1,9 g / L. Short-term therapeutic response was observed in 100 % of patients, and long-term in 91,3 por ciento. The mean score for quality of life decreased by 12,065 points (p˂ 0,00). The perceived global perception increased by a mean of 7,326 points (p˂ 0,00). Conclusions: APC has a good therapeutic response in the short and long term with few sessions and a low number of complications, with an improvement in the quality of life of the patients(AU)

Obesity and social representations among patients subjected to argon plasma coagulation (APC) / Obesidade e representações sociais entre pacientes submetidos à coagulação de plasma de argônio (APC) / Obesidad y representaciones sociales entre pacientes sujetos a coagulación de plasma de argón (APC)

This study sought to identify the Social Representations of Obesity among 15 individuals who underwent bariatric surgery through the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) method and were subjected to Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) due to weight relapse. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed via Descending Hierarchical Classification. Obesity was associated with physical limitations and difficulties in social relationships. Prejudice and difficulty in changing habits are associated with the choice to undergo surgical treatment and to weight relapse. The suffering that goes along with obesity and the difficulty in changing habits seem to be associated with the search for surgical help.

Este estudo procurou identificar as representações sociais da obesidade entre 15 indivíduos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica pelo método Bypass Gástrico em Y de Roux (RYGB) e submetidos à Coagulação por Plasma de Argônio (APC) devido à recidiva de peso. Os dados foram coletados através de entrevistas e analisados por meio da Classificação Hierárquica Descendente. A obesidade foi associada a limitações físicas e dificuldades nas relações sociais. Preconceito e dificuldades na mudança de hábitos estão associados à escolha de se submeter a tratamento cirúrgico e à recidiva de peso. O sofrimento que acompanha a obesidade e a dificuldade de mudar hábitos parecem estar associados à busca de ajuda cirúrgica.

Este estudio buscó identificar las representaciones sociales de la obesidad entre 15 individuos que se sometieron a cirugía bariátrica utilizando el método de bypass gástrico Roux-en-Y (RYGB) y que se sometieron a coagulación con plasma de argón (APC) debido a una recaída en el peso. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas y analizados utilizando la Clasificación Jerárquica Descendente. La obesidad se asoció con limitaciones físicas y dificultades en las relaciones sociales. Los prejuicios y las dificultades para cambiar los hábitos están asociados con la opción de someterse a un tratamiento quirúrgico y una recaída del peso. El sufrimiento que acompaña a la obesidad y la dificultad para cambiar los hábitos parecen estar asociados con la búsqueda de ayuda quirúrgica.

A probable fatal argon gas embolism during resection of a cutaneous biliary fistula - a case report / Provável embolia letal por gás argônio durante ressecção de fístula cutânea biliar - relato de caso

Abstract Background: The Argon Beam Coagulator (ABC) achieves hemostasis but has potential complications in the form of argon gas embolisms. Risk factors for embolisms have been identified and ABC manufacturers have developed guidelines for usage of the device to prevent embolism development. Case report: A 49 year-old male with history of recurrent cholangiocarcinoma status post resection presented for resection of a cutaneous biliary fistula. Shortly after initial use of the ABC, the patient underwent cardiac arrest. After resuscitation, air bubbles were observed in the left ventricle via Transesophageal Echo (TEE). Conclusion: Although argon embolisms have been described more commonly during laparoscopies, this patient most likely experienced an argon gas embolism during an open resection of a cutaneous biliary fistula via the biliary tract or vein with possible transpulmonary passage of the embolism. Consequently, a high degree of suspicion should be maintained for an argon gas embolism during ABC use in laparoscopic, open, and cutaneous surgeries.

Resumo Introdução: A Coagulação por Feixe de Argônio (CFA) promove hemostasia, mas pode levar a complicações na forma de embolia por gás argônio. Os fatores de risco para embolias foram identificados e os fabricantes de aparelhos de CFA desenvolveram diretrizes para o uso do dispositivo para impedir a ocorrência de embolia. Relato de caso: Paciente masculino de 49 anos com história de colangiocarcinoma recorrente pós-ressecção foi submetido à ressecção de fístula cutâneo-biliar. Logo após o início do uso do aparelho de CFA, o paciente apresentou parada cardíaca. Após o retorno da atividade cardíaca, a Eecocardiografia Transesofágica (ETE) detectou bolhas de ar no ventrículo esquerdo. Conclusões: Embora a embolia associada ao argônio seja mais frequentemente descrita durante laparoscopia, este paciente mais provavelmente apresentou embolia provocada pelo argônio durante cirurgia aberta para ressecção de fístula cutâneo-biliar, após o argônio ganhar acesso à circulação sanguínea através das vias biliares ou da veia biliar e possível passagem do êmbolo pela circulação pulmonar. Desta maneira, deve-se suspeitar de embolia por argônio, de forma judiciosa, durante o uso de CFA em procedimento cirúrgico laparoscópico, aberto ou cutâneo.

The Natural History and Treatment Strategy of Gastric Adenoma as a Pre-cancerous Lesion

The concept and pathological diagnostic criteria of gastric adenoma (dysplasia) differ between Western countries and Japan, and discrepancies between histopathological examinations before and after endoscopic resection may occur. Therefore, the natural history of adenoma should be interpreted and the treatment strategy of adenoma established. It is recommended that endoscopic resection be performed for high-grade dysplasia due to the potential higher risk of progression to carcinoma. For low-grade dysplasia, the risk of malignant transformation is relatively low. However, resection is considered the first approach for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. If resection is not feasible, the alternative may be to use argon plasma coagulation for selected lesions that are less likely to be malignant. When Helicobacter pylori infection is detected, eradication therapy is recommended to reduce the risk of metachronous lesions. Post-resection follow-up should be performed within 1 year to detect synchronous lesions and then follow-up endoscopy at 1 or 2-year intervals may be considered for metachronous lesions.

Gastric Hemangioma Treated with Argon Plasma Coagulation in a Newborn Infant / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Gastric hemangioma in the neonatal period is a very rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We present a case of hemangioma limited to the gastric cavity in a 10-day-old infant. A huge, erythematous mass with bleeding was observed on the lesser curvature side of the upper part of the stomach. Surgical resection was ruled out because the location of the lesion was too close to the gastroesophageal junction. Medical treatment with intravenous H₂ blockers, octreotide, packed red blood cell infusions, local epinephrine injection at the lesion site, application of hemoclip, and gel-form embolization of the left gastric artery did not significantly alter the transfusion requirement. Hemostasis was achieved with endoscopic argon plasma coagulation (APC). After two sessions of APC, complete removal of the lesion was achieved. APC was a simple, safe and effective tool for hemostasis and the ablation of gastric hemangioma without significant complications.

The Usefulness of Argon Plasma Coagulation Compared with Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection to Treat Gastric Adenoma / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To date, the best therapeutic modality for gastric adenoma, especially low-grade adenoma, has not been established. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of argon plasma coagulation (APC) in treating gastric adenoma compared with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). METHODS: We included 210 patients with gastric adenoma, who underwent treatment with either APC (97 patients) or ESD (113 patients). The clinical and pathologic characteristics, mean duration of hospital stay, complications, and recurrence rates between the two groups were compared. RESULTS: The mean adenoma size was 0.9 cm and 1.1 cm in the APC group and ESD group, respectively (p<0.001). The mean duration of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the APC group than in the ESD group (1.6 days vs. 5.8 days, p<0.001). Complications did not occur in the APC group. However, one case of perforation (0.9%) and 6 cases of bleeding (5.3%) occurred in the ESD group. The recurrence rates were 15.3% (15/97 patients) in the APC group and 3.5% (4/113 patients) in the ESD group (p=0.003). The proportion of hospitalization was less in the APC group (43.3%, 42/97) than in the ESD group (100.0%, 113/113) (p<0.001). Medical expense was less in the APC group (377,172 won) than in the ESD group (1,430,610 won) (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that APC is a safe treatment method for gastric adenoma without serious complications. However, regular endoscopic follow-up is necessary to detect any residual or recurrent lesions due to the relatively high rate of local recurrence after APC.

Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Bile Duct Treated with Argon Plasma Coagulation / 대한췌담도학회지

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the bile duct (IPMN-B) is frequently found and has recently been recognized as a precancerous lesion leading to invasive carcinoma characterized by papillary growth of the ductal epithelium with rich mucin production and cystic dilatation of the hepatic duct. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice to avoid malignant transformation. Despite a growing number of studies on IPMN-B, there are few reports of its treatment aside from surgery. A 75-year-old woman was incidentally diagnosed as IPMN-B. Considering the patient's age, comorbidity, and preference, we recommended an argon plasma coagulation (APC) as local ablation therapy rather than surgical resection. There was no evidence of remnant tumor on percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy 4 weeks after the ablation of tumor mass by using APC. We report a rare case of IPMN-B successfully treated with APC.

Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Bile Duct Treated with Argon Plasma Coagulation / 대한췌담도학회지

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the bile duct (IPMN-B) is frequently found and has recently been recognized as a precancerous lesion leading to invasive carcinoma characterized by papillary growth of the ductal epithelium with rich mucin production and cystic dilatation of the hepatic duct. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice to avoid malignant transformation. Despite a growing number of studies on IPMN-B, there are few reports of its treatment aside from surgery. A 75-year-old woman was incidentally diagnosed as IPMN-B. Considering the patient's age, comorbidity, and preference, we recommended an argon plasma coagulation (APC) as local ablation therapy rather than surgical resection. There was no evidence of remnant tumor on percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy 4 weeks after the ablation of tumor mass by using APC. We report a rare case of IPMN-B successfully treated with APC.

Local Recurrence and Its Risk Factor after Incomplete Resection of Colorectal Advanced Adenomas: A Single Center, Retrospective Study / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colonoscopy can detect precancerous lesions, which can subsequently be removed and reduce incidences of and mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC). However, recently published data have highlighted a significant rate of CRC in patients who previously underwent colonoscopy. Among many reasons, incomplete resection has been considered as a significant contributor. However, to date, there have only been a few studies regarding incompletely resected polyps, especially advanced colorectal adenoma (ACA). Hence, we aimed to evaluate the prognosis of incompletely resected ACA. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with ACA who had underwent endoscopic treatment with incomplete resection. The primary outcomes were (1) the incomplete resection rate of ACA, as determined by a histopathologic examination and (2) the recurrence rate of incompletely resected ACA. We also investigated the probable contributing factors that may have led to a relapse of incompletely resected ACA. RESULTS: A total of 7,105 patients had their colorectal polyps resected by endoscopic treatment, and 2,233 of these were considered as ACA. Of these, 354 polyps (15.8%) were resected incompletely, and only 163 patients were followed-up. Of those followed-up, 31 patients (19.0%) experienced local recurrence. The risk factors for recurrence after incomplete resection were evaluated; age, morphology of adenoma, and use of rescue therapy, such as argon plasma coagulation, were found to be associated with adenoma recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Incompletely resected ACA in older patients or in patients with sessile-type adenomas should be monitored strictly, and if incomplete resection is suspected, rescue therapy must be considered.

Clinical Outcomes of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in Patients under 40 Years Old with Early Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The clinicopathologic features of gastric cancer in young patients are different from those of older patients. However, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is performed regardless of age. The purpose of this study was to characterize younger patients (≤40 years) who underwent ESD for early gastric cancer (EGC) and analyze the results of ESD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2006 to June 2014, 55 patients aged 40 years or younger with newly diagnosed EGC underwent ESD at two tertiary hospitals. The clinicopathologic features of EGC and clinical outcomes of ESD in these young patients were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total 55 patients with 57 EGC lesions underwent ESD. Female sex, superficial flat or depressed lesions, and undifferentiated histology were more common in younger patients than in older patients in our institutional ESD cohort. The en bloc resection rate was 92.7% and the complete resection rate was 94.5%. Although there was a high proportion of undifferentiated cancer in the younger patient group, the curative resection rate was 72.7%. Among 15 patients with non-curative resection, 4 patients underwent additional surgery and 1 patient underwent argon plasma coagulation at the ESD ulcer margin. Eight patients were placed under close surveillance without additional treatment, and no recurrent tumors developed, with a median follow-up period of 37.2±23.6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Younger EGC patients who underwent ESD showed the typical characteristics seen in younger patients with gastric cancer. ESD in younger EGC patients showed comparable outcomes to those in patients with undifferentiated EGC in general.

Alternativas terapéuticas para el manejo de la ectasia vascular gástrica antral (GAVE) / Alternatives for the treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE)

Gastric antral vascular ectasia is an unusual cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The most frequent clinical presentation is iron deficiency anemia in a female patient older than 60 years. A third of patients have liver cirrhosis or a connective tissue disease, especially those related to Raynaud’s syndrome and scleroderma. The severity of this condition is variable, in some cases iron supplements are enough, while in other transfusion requirements are permanent. Currently the therapies most frequently reported in literature are argon plasma coagulation, radiofrequency ablation and endoscopic band ligation of antral mucosa. This article aims to review the available evidence for the management of this condition.

La ectasia vascular gástrica antral es una causa infrecuente de hemorragia digestiva alta cuya forma de presentación más habitual es la anemia ferropriva en una mujer mayor de 60 años. Un tercio de los pacientes tiene antecedente de cirrosis hepática o enfermedades del tejido conectivo relacionadas al síndrome de Raynaud o esclerodermia. El compromiso es de intensidad variable, sin embargo, en casos graves los pacientes pueden requerir transfusiones en forma permanente. En la actualidad las terapias más frecuentemente reportadas en la literatura son la termocoagulación con argón plasma, la ablación con radiofrecuencia y la ligadura de mucosa antral con bandas elásticas. El objetivo principal de este artículo es revisar la evidencia disponible para el manejo de esta condición.

Treatment Strategy after Incomplete Endoscopic Resection of Early Gastric Cancer

Endoscopic resection of early gastric cancer is defined as incomplete when tumor cells are found at the resection margin upon histopathological examination. However, a tumor-positive resection margin does not always indicate residual tumor; it can also be caused by tissue contraction during fixation, by the cautery effect during endoscopic resection, or by incorrect histopathological mapping. Cases of highly suspicious residual tumor require additional endoscopic or surgical resection. For inoperable patients, argon plasma coagulation can be used as an alternative endoscopic treatment. Immediately after the incomplete resection or residual tumor has been confirmed by the pathologist, clinicians should also decide upon any additional treatment to be carried out during the follow-up period.

Novel Therapeutic Strategies in the Management of Non-Variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding, the most common etiology of which is peptic ulcer disease, remains a persistent challenge despite a reduction in both its incidence and mortality. Both pharmacologic and endoscopic techniques have been developed to achieve hemostasis, with varying degrees of success. Among the pharmacologic therapies, proton pump inhibitors remain the mainstay of treatment, as they reduce the risk of rebleeding and requirement for recurrent endoscopic evaluation. Tranexamic acid, a derivative of the amino acid lysine, is an antifibrinolytic agent whose role requires further investigation before application. Endoscopically delivered pharmacotherapy, including Hemospray (Cook Medical), EndoClot (EndoClot Plus Inc.), and Ankaferd Blood Stopper (Ankaferd Health Products), in addition to standard epinephrine, show promise in this regard, although their mechanisms of action require further investigation. Non-pharmacologic endoscopic techniques use one of the following two methods to achieve hemostasis: ablation or mechanical tamponade, which may involve using endoscopic clips, cautery, argon plasma coagulation, over-the-scope clipping devices, radiofrequency ablation, and cryotherapy. This review aimed to highlight these novel and fundamental hemostatic strategies and the research supporting their efficacy.

Phlegmonous Gastritis with Early Gastric Cancer

Phlegmonous gastritis is a rare and rapidly progressive bacterial infection of the stomach wall, with a high mortality rate. Antibiotics with or without surgical treatment are required for treatment. We present a case in which phlegmonous gastritis occurred during the diagnostic evaluation of early gastric cancer. The patient showed improvement after antibiotic treatment, but attempted endoscopic submucosal dissection failed because of submucosal pus. We immediately applied argon plasma coagulation since surgical resection was also considered a high-risk procedure because of the submucosal pus and multiple comorbidities. However, there was local recurrence two years later, and the patient underwent subtotal gastrectomy with lymph node dissection. Considering the risk of incomplete treatment immediately after recovery from phlegmonous gastritis and that recurrent disease can be more difficult to manage, delaying treatment and evaluation until after complete recovery of PG might be a better option in this particular clinical situation.

Endoscopic Removal of Tangled Plastic Wires in the Stomach Using an Argon Plasma Coagulation and Endoscopic Scissors

Plastic wires are uncommonly swallowed and subsequently may be tangled in the stomach. Although endoscopy with accessories is effective for removal of most wires, sometimes it is hard to remove tangled plastic wires. Early diagnosis and immediate retrieval of ingested wires are important. Mentally impaired adults have a relatively high rate of surgical intervention and complications due to delayed diagnosis. A twenty-one year old woman visited our hospital with foreign bodies in the stomach. She was mentally retarded and had swallowed plastic wires frequently. Esophagogastro-duodenoscopy revealed tangled plastic wires. We cut three wires with argon plasma coagulation and endoscopic scissors to unwind the bundle of wires. We removed the remaining 17 wires one by one. The total length of the wires were 496 cm. We report this unusual case of tangled plastic wires in the stomach removed endoscopically without surgical intervention.