APC: Argon Plasma Coagulation
What is APC?
A specialized modality used in endoscopic practice
- APC or Argon Plasma Coagulation is a special technique used through endoscopy to treat gastrointestinal bleeding from certain lesions and also to debulk tumours which are inoperable.
- A probe can be passed through the endoscope and this can supply a jet of ionised Argon which also emits high frequency electric current resulting in coagulation of the lesion.
Indications
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Angiodysplasia
(abnormal small areas anywhere in the GI tract with abnormal vasculature which can bleed.)
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Ablation of tumours
(Reducing the tumour bulk and also to treat tumour bleeds within the GI tract)
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Radiation Proctitis
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Coagulation post polypectomy and acute bleed
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GAVE
(Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia)
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Management of Barrett’s dysplasia and oesophageal cancer
Massive bleed from a small bowel tumour.
APC being used endoscopically to treat the bleeding
Available at:
(with prior appointment please)