Endoscopic laser therapy for watermelon stomach.

Abstract

Thirteen patients (9 women, 4 men) with anemia from acute and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding were found to have antral vascular disease consistent with watermelon stomach. The median age was 73 yr, with a range of 54-88 yr. Eight of the patients were transfusion-dependent, requiring a median of 5.5 U within the 12 mo before treatment. All were treated with endoscopic neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser coagulation. Endoscopic and hematologic improvement were evident in 12 patients available for follow-up after a median period of 6 mo. There was a median increase of 4 g/dl in hemoglobin concentration; thus, the need for transfusion was eliminated. No major complications were encountered. Laser coagulation for watermelon stomach appears to be safe and efficacious and may be a therapeutic alternative for this disorder.

• Authors: C J Gostout, D A Ahlquist, C M Radford, T R Viggiano, B A Bowyer, R K Balm
• Journal: Gastroenterology (Gastroenterology) Vol. 96 Issue 6 Pg. 1462-5 (Jun 1989) ISSN: 0016-5085 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2785467 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Anemia, Hypochromic (etiology, therapy)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage (complications, surgery)
• Gastroscopy
• Humans
• Light Coagulation (methods)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prognosis
• Pyloric Antrum (blood supply, surgery)
• Retrospective Studies
• Stomach Diseases (complications, surgery)