Abstract
Introduction
Chronic radiation proctitis (CRP) usually develops 90 days or more after radiation. Currently, there is no standard available for the treatment of CRP. In argon plasma coagulation, monopolar diathermy is used to ionise the argon gas which coagulates the telengiectatic vessels in a noncontact fashion. However, there are very few studies which have reported its use in extensive CRP. We report the efficacy and safety of APC in seven patients with recurrent, extensive grade 3 radiation proctitis.
Materials and methods
This is a retrospective analysis of patients treated with argon plasma coagulation in our institute from June 2013 to June 2016. After adequate bowel preparation, patients underwent APC at an average power of 50 W with flow rate of 5 L/min. All the visible telangiectasia was ablated which required many sittings.
Results
The median RPSAS symptom score for frequency of bleeding at enrolment was 5 (range 3–5). After completion of APC, the median RPSAS symptom score for frequency of bleeding decreased to 1. The median RPSAS symptom score for severity of bleeding was 5 (range 3–5). After completion of APC, the mean RPSAS symptom score for severity of bleeding decreased to 1. Mean haemoglobin level before treatment was 5.43 g/dl (SD 2.37). Mean haemoglobin level after treatment was10.04 g/dl (SD 2.0). Compared with pre-treatment levels after APC, there was a mean increase in haemoglobin of 4.61 + 1.78 [95% CI 2.97–6.25, p = 0.00].
Conclusion
Argon plasma coagulation is a safe, well tolerated and effective treatment option in extensive chronic radiation proctitis which is refractory to medical management.
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SPS: conceived the study, design, statistical analysis, draft of manuscript and approval of manuscript
KD: design, performed Argon plasma coagulation, statistical analysis, draft of manuscript and final approval of manuscript
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The views expressed in the paper are the author’s own, and not the official position of the institution or funding agency. The authors declare no competing financial interests. The paper has not been presented in part or full in any conferences or meetings. It has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration for publication elsewhere.
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Sudha, S.P., Kadambari, D. Efficacy and safety of argon plasma coagulation in the management of extensive chronic radiation proctitis after pelvic radiotherapy for cervical carcinoma. Int J Colorectal Dis 32, 1285–1288 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-017-2859-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-017-2859-8