Argon plasma coagulation in upper gastro intestinal tract lesions

Argon plasma coagulation has been utilized for the treatment of early gastric cancer in those patients who are not candidates for endoscopic mucosal resection or open surgery. That early small superficial gastric cancers can be successfully treated in one session whereas larger (2 cm or greater) and deeper lesions are likely to require two sessions of APC treatment. Complications submucosal emphysema, bleeding, and perforation.Other ablative applications for APC include palliative treatment for malignant GI tract obstruction, treatment of tissue ingrowth into metallic stents, and myotomy for Zenker’s diverticulum.The advantage of APC1- Ease of applications2- Safe3- Lower cost compared laser4- Can be used to treat bleeding in parts of GIT with thin wall5- The depth of coagulation is usually few millimeters.