title: Endoscopic argon plasma coagulation of Marlex mesh erosion after vertical-banded gastroplasty.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Marlex mesh erosions may occur as late complications after vertical-banded gastroplasty. Experience with the endoscopic treatment is limited.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe the use of argon plasma coagulation in the endoscopic treatment of eroded Marlex mesh.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case report.
  
  
  METHODS
  Endoscopy Unit, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe the endoscopic treatment of eroded Marlex mesh in 2 patients who presented with symptoms of gastric-outlet obstruction.
  
  
  METHODS
  In both cases, argon plasma coagulation was used to break down the eroded Marlex mesh. Fragments were subsequently removed with forceps and electrocautery snares. We did not encounter any complications with this method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The endoscopic treatment resulted in lasting symptomatic improvement in both patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our experience is limited to 2 cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Argon plasma coagulation appears to be a promising option for the endoscopic treatment of eroded Marlex mesh. It allows the fragmentation of large mesh portions and enables subsequent removal with a snare and a forceps. This method can result in symptomatic improvement and may obviate the need for surgery. Further data are necessary to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of this approach.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
authors.forename: Laura A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Adam
authors.forename: Rogelio G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Maged
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rizk
authors.forename: Henning
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gerke
mesh_terms: D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D017219:Gastric Outlet Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008875:Middle Aged; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D013526:Surgical Mesh / Q000009:adverse effects*