Hemorrhagic radiation proctitis (proctopathy) can be successfully treated using argon plasma coagulation (APC).
Patient selection: hemorrhagic radiation proctitis with anemia
Bleeding typically occurs from radiation-induced mucosal telangiectasia
Technique: no-touch electrocoagulation with high-frequency monopolar alternating current delivered to tissue through ionized argon plasma gas and electrical power
Complications may include:
(1) bleeding
(2) mucosal ulcerations and/or necrosis
(3) bowel wall perforation following bowel gas explosion
(4) rectal stenosis
Complications can be reduced by using a low power setting (less than 45 W)
Suboptimal therapy may occur with:
(1) anticoagulation, coagulopathy or aspirin therapy
(2) incomplete bowel cleansing
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