CONTRIBUTION OF ARGON PLASMA COAGULATION IN THE TREATMENT OF RADIATION PROCTITIS: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 58 CASES

Aims Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) is a recent endoscopic haemostasis method that has experienced unprecedented growth since its appearance in 1991.It allows the realization of monopolar electrocoagulation without contact with the mucosa treated with an inert gas, colorless, non-flammable and non-toxic. The purpose of our work was to evaluate the interest of APC in the endoscopic management of gastrointestinal bleeding occurring during chronic radiation proctitis hemorrhagic.

Methods This is a retrospective study carried out at the Endoscopy Department of the Military Hospital of Rabat in Morocco, between January 2016 and May 2019. We included 58 patients presenting rectorrhages related to a haemorrhagic radiation proctitis and having benefited from APC.

Results The average age of our patients is 59 years old. There were 33 women and 25 men. All patients had grade 3 or 4 clinical grade rectorrhages with a mean Chutkan score of 3.1. All patients had moderate and severe endoscopic lesions (Grade B and Grade C). APC was used in the treatment of all patients with an average session number of 2.6 with an overall success rate of 100% evaluated on clinico-biological and endoscopic parameters.

Conclusions The good results of endoscopic APC treatment of hemorrhagic radiation Rectites in terms of efficacy, tolerance and safety make this technique a first-line treatment.