Argon plasma coagulation therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To give a summary of recent advances in argon plasma coagulation (APC) therapy in gastroenterology.


RESULTS
APC has gained importance in gastrointestinal endoscopy during the last decade, and APC technology has improved over time. Recently published studies, mainly consisting of case series, have shown that APC can be used effectively in various forms of gastrointestinal disorders. The complication rates observed during clinical application are low.


CONCLUSIONS
APC can be considered as a well tolerated and effective treatment approach in endoscopy. Further clinical trials including a comparison of APC to other treatment modalities as well as long-term follow-up after APC treatment are required to clarify the relative value of APC in gastroenterology.
Manner
Hendrik
H
Department of Internal Medicine II, HSK Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden, Germany. HSManner@gmx.de
D001128:Argon; D004066:Digestive System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System / Q000379:methods; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001128:Argon