When do you use argon plasma coagulation?
APC is used to treat the following conditions:
- colonic polyps, after polypectomy.
- Barrett’s esophagus.
- esophageal cancer.
- rectal bleeding post-radiation (radiation proctitis)
- gastric antral vascular ectasia, or “Watermelon stomach”
What is the advantage of using argon plasma coagulation?
The theoretical advantages of APC include its ease of application, speedy treatment of multiple lesions in the case of angiodysplasias or wide areas (the base of resected polyps or tumor bleeding), safety due to reduced depth of penetration, and lower cost compared with laser.
How effective is argon plasma coagulation?
Results: At a median follow-up of 11 months, ten patients (83 percent) had a significant reduction in the severity and frequency of bleeding, with complete cessation in six (50 percent).
What is the best treatment for radiation proctitis?
Treatment for proctitis caused by radiation therapy Your doctor may recommend treatments such as: Medications. Medications are given in pill, suppository or enema form. They include sucralfate (Carafate), mesalamine (Asacol HD, Canasa, others), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) and metronidazole (Flagyl).
How do you code Argon Plasma Coagulation?
Code 43255 describes EGD with control of bleeding by any method. APC involves using argon gas and electrical current to seal irregular tissue without any direct contact.
What is proctitis from radiation therapy?
Radiation proctitis is inflammation of the rectum that occurs as a result of acute damage to the rectum sustained from pelvic radiation.
What is argon treatment?
Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a medical endoscopic procedure used to control bleeding from certain lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. It is administered during esophagogastroduodenoscopy or colonoscopy.
Is radiation proctitis serious?
Proctitis refers to a condition where the lower colon and/or rectum are inflamed. This inflammation can be so severe that it causes pain and discomfort, and can also interrupt normal bowel functions.
How long will radiation proctitis last?
Acute radiation proctitis presents either during or up to 6 months after completion of radiation therapy. Acute radiation proctitis is essentially collateral damage from the oxygen-free radicals created by the radiation therapy itself.
What is APC treatment for radiation proctitis?
Rectal bleeding caused by radiation proctitis is difficult to manage. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is an electrocoagulation technique that appears to be an effective and low-cost alternative to the use of lasers in gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Is argon plasma coagulation effective in the treatment of radiation proctitis?
Radiation proctitis is a well-recognized complication following radiotherapy for pelvic malignancy. This study was designed to compare the efficacy and complications of argon plasma coagulation (APC) using the power setting of 50 W vs. 60 W in a group of patients with radiation proctitis.
What is the pathophysiology of chronic radiation proctitis?
Argon plasma coagulation in chronic radiation proctitis Chronic radiation proctitis is a relatively common late complication of pelvic irradiation. The main symptoms are diarrhea, urgency, tenesmus, and rectal bleeding.
What is Arg argon plasma coagulation?
Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a noncontact thermal coagulation technique which can be applied endoscopically. A probe passed through the scope delivers a field of argon gas to the mucosal surface where it is ionized by a high voltage filament, resulting in superficial mucosal heating and coagulation of friable blood vessels.
Is APC an effective treatment for rectal bleeding caused by radiation proctitis?
The tolerance was good, with no long-term treatment-related complications. Conclusions: APC is an effective, safe and well-tolerated treatment for rectal bleeding caused by chronic radiation proctitis. It should be considered as a first-line therapy for radiation proctitis.