title: Gastric explosion induced by argon plasma coagulation and prevention strategies.
abstract: We describe the occurrence of an iatrogenic explosion induced by argon plasma coagulation in a 70-year-old man undergoing gastroscopy. Combustible gases in the stomach may have been released by bacterial overgrowth as a result of partial gastric outlet obstruction (caused by a gastric tumor) and reduced acidity (from proton pump inhibitor therapy). We propose a stepwise process during upper endoscopy to prevent this devastating complication, comprising aspiration, preinsufflation with CO2, and then coagulation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St George Hospital, Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia. Electronic address: jfreiman@people.net.au.
authors.forename: John Saul
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Freiman
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St George Hospital, Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Toni
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hampe
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D057908:Argon Plasma Coagulation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D005773:Gastroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013270:Stomach / Q000293:injuries*
keywords: Case Report; Combustible Gas; Explosion; Gastroscopy