Endoscopic argon plasma coagulation for gastrointestinal polyps in 446 cases
AIM: To evaluate the values and therapeutic effects of endoscopic argon plasma coagulation (APC) in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) polyps. METHODS: GI polyps confirmed pathologically were coagulated by argon plasma generated by German-made ERBE APC 300 EA. The number of times of coagulation for each polyp was determined by its size and location. RESULTS : A total of 659 polyps in 446 cases were investigated. Five hundred and eight flat and thin (diameter <5 mm) sessile polyps were totally removed by APC (100% ). Among the 136 sessile polyps with diameter > 5 mm, 118 cases were removed by one-time APC and 18 flat polyps were removed by two-time APC. Fifteen pedunculated polyps were removed by combination of APC and high frequency electron surgical unit. CONCLUSION: APC is safe and effective in the treatment of GI polyps, especially in the treatment of flat and thin sessile gastrointestinal polyps.