High-intensity lasers in the endoscopic treatment of patients with gastric polyps

Abstract

Objective. To improve results of endoscopic treatment of patients with gastric polyps using modern laser technologies. Materials and Methods. 217 patients with gastric polyps were treated endoscopically; 348 polyps were removed. All patients were divided into three groups depending on a polypectomy technique: electrosurgical, laser photocoagulation and combined. Results. 217 patients with 348 polypoid neoplasms of the gastric mucosa had gastroduodenoscopy. Polyps were removed in 121 patient in Group I; in 82 patients in Group II; in 14 patients in Group III. After the endoscopic polypectomy postoperative bleedings were seen in 13 (6%) patients: 10 (8.3%) patients from Group I; 2 (2.4%) patients from Group II; 1 (7.1%) patient from Group III. Bleedings developed on 1-3 days after the surgery. In all cases, bleedings were arrested endoscopically. Patients of the laser group stayed in the hospital after the surgical procedure less number of days as compared to the patients from the electrosurgical group and the group with combined approach. More polyp recurrences were seen in patients from Group I (n-13); 1 patient in Group II and 1 patient in Group III. Laser photodestruction of gastric polyps is more reasonable in patients with recurrent polyps, with hyperplastic polyps when electrosurgical polypectomy is associated with a high risk of recurrences. Conclusion. Laser photodestruction is an effective treatment modality for patients with gastric polyps. The discussed techniques reduces the incidence of early postoperative complications , reduces terms of hospitalization as well as reduces the number of recurrent cases.