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.