Evaluation of the esophageal wall injury resulted from Argon plasma coagulation / 中华消化内镜杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the extent of injury in esophageal mucosa resulted from Argon plasma coagulation (APC). Methods The injuries from APC were observed in 55 sites of esophageal normal mucosa in 11 patients with esophageal cancer. APC powers in 45 W,60 W and 90 W were selected with exposure times of 1 sec and 3 sec respectively. The probe of APC was hold approximately at 30?and 2 mm from the mucosa. The histological changes of esophageal wall injured by APC were examined under light and electric microscopy. Results The injuries in 46 out of 55 sites were merely restricted in the mucosa or sub-mucosa,7 out of 55 extended into the muscularis propria.and 2 of 9 sites extended to the whole depth of e-sophageal wall. The depth of injury increased in relation with the elevating of APC power (P 0. 05). Conclusion APC is a safe way for treating esophageal diseases if its power is limited in an appropriate range.