OBJECTIVE: To compare the success rate, and adverse events (ulcer lesions, perforations) of APC and injection therapy in the treatment of bleeding angiodysplasia in the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT).
METHODS: In a prospective study including 50 patients with bleeding angiodysplasia of the upper GIT, 35 patients were treated with APC, and remaining 15 with injection therapy using adrenaline and 1.5% solution of polidocanol. Follow-up period was 6 months.
RESULTS: A total of 50 patients aged 18 to 64 years, 64% male and 36% female, have been treated during 2 years period. The rate of recurrent bleeding and side effects was significantly higher in the adrenaline group (p <0.01). Blood transfusion was required in 68% during the first hospital admission. Angiodysplasia of the stomach was present in 66%, versus 34% in duodenum.
CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopy is \"gold standard\" for diagnosis and treatment of AD in the gastrointestinal tract. The study unveiled APC as more effective treatment option with lower degree of complications and adverse events in comparison to injection therapy in patients with bleeding AD.