Abstract | BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our prospective study included 30 patients with esophageal varices randomly assigned to receive APC after ligation (combined group) and 30 patients assigned to receive ligation only ( ligation group). Endoscopic ligation was performed until the varix shrank to F1 without red color sign or smaller. This was followed by induction of fibrosis of the distal esophageal mucosa using APC in the combined group. APC was performed using an argon gas at a flow rate of 1.5-2 l/min and a high frequency arc output of 50-60 W. Treatment outcome and complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 18.5+/-6.8 and 15.8+/-7.7 months (+/- SD) for the combined and ligation groups, respectively. The number of treatment sessions was slightly lower in the ligation group (2.9+/-0.6 vs. 2.5+/-0.6, P<0.05). The number of ligation bands used was not different between the two groups (13.4+/-3.1 vs. 14.9+/-2.4). The cumulative recurrence-free rate at 24 months after treatment in the combined group was significantly higher than in the ligation group (74.2% vs. 49.6%, P < 0.05). A significantly higher incidence of pyrexia was encountered in the combined group (P <0.05), but the incidences of other complications were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION:
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Authors | S Nakamura, A Mitsunaga, Y Murata, S Suzuki, N Hayashi |
Journal | Endoscopy
(Endoscopy)
Vol. 33
Issue 3
Pg. 210-5
(Mar 2001)
ISSN: 0013-726X [Print] Germany |
PMID | 11293751
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Argon
- Electrocoagulation
(methods)
- Esophageal and Gastric Varices
(therapy)
- Esophagoscopy
- Esophagus
(pathology)
- Female
- Fibrosis
- Humans
- Ligation
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Mucous Membrane
(pathology)
- Prospective Studies
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