Introduction. The most frequently applied methods of endoscopic treatment of
angiodysplasias, such as argon plasma coagulation, multipolar coagulation and
heater probe, proved to be effective with certain shortcomings and the
possibility of complications. There are very scarce data in the literature
about the treatment of angiodysplasias with endoscopic ligature. Objective.
The aim of the study was to examine the efficacy and safety of endoscopic
treatment of gastric and duodenal angiodysplasias by ligation with elastic
rings. Methods. In 12 patients (10 male and 2 female, mean age 65.9 years)
the endoscopic ligation of gastric and duodenal angiodysplasias was applied.
Eight patients (66.6%) had solitary angiodysplasias in the stomach, two
patients (16.6%) had solitary angiodysplasias in the descending part of the
duodenum and two patients (16.6%) had multiple angiodysplasias in the stomach
and duodenum. Two patients (16.6%) had active bleeding from angiodysplasias,
while 10 patients (83.3%) had recent bleeding. We used the Cook Endoscopy
system with 4 or 6 elastic rings for endoscopic ligation of angiodysplasias.
Patients were under follow-up after 2-3 days, 30 days and then every 6 months
following the endoscopic ligation of angiodysplasias. Results. Active
bleeding from angiodysplasias was stopped in two patients (100%) by
endoscopic ligation with elastic rings. The average number of applied
ligation sessions in our 12 patients was 1.6, with an average of 1.8
ligatures per session. There were no complications after ligation of
angiodysplasias. Recurrence of bleeding occurred in one patient (8.3%) with
multiple gastric and duodenal angiodysplasias. The average period of
follow-up of patients was 22.8?17.6 months. Conclusion. Endoscopic ligation
with elastic rings can be effective and safe for treatment especially of
solitary gastric and duodenal angiodysplasias.
Epinephrine plus argon plasma or heater probe coagulation in ulcer bleeding
