A case of gastric cancer treated by argon plasma coagulation for bleeding

Abstract

Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a method of non-contact electro-coagulation that may have a lower risk of complication. A 72-year-old woman developed edema, shortness of breath, and tarry stool. She admitted to the hospital. Laboratory findings on admission showed severe anemia. Hemoglobin was 8.6mg/dl. Gastroendoscopy showed bleeding from type IIc early gastric cancer at gastric angulus. Gastrectomy was contra-indication, since she had severe congestive heart failure with liver cirrhosis. Then, she transferred to our hospital. APC was performed in 2 sessions to obtain hemostasis. Complete hemostasis was finally achieved with APC. In conclusion, APC can obtain an effective coagulation for bleeding in case of gastric sm cancer, in which surgery is consider to be indication