About Argon Plasma Coagulation
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive, often performed during a routine endoscopy.Non-contact technique reduces the risk of tissue sticking and perforation.Provides precise, superficial coagulation ideal for delicate GI tissues.Effective for controlling bleeding and ablating abnormal tissue.Typically an outpatient procedure with no surgical incisions.Generally quick to perform with a relatively fast recovery time./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Control of active bleeding from ulcers, tumors, or post-polypectomy sites.
- Ablation of angiodysplasias or vascular malformations in the GI tract.
- Treatment of Barrett's esophagus (dysplastic or non-dysplastic) to reduce cancer risk.
- Removal of residual adenomatous tissue after polyp resection.
- Palliative treatment of bleeding tumors in the esophagus, stomach, or colon.
- Coagulation of radiation proctitis or colitis.
- Treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE or 'watermelon stomach').
How to prepare
- Detailed discussion with your gastroenterologist about medical history, allergies, and medications (especially blood thinners).
- Fasting is required, typically for 6-8 hours before the procedure for upper endoscopy, or as per bowel prep instructions for colonoscopy.
- Adjustment or temporary cessation of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel) as advised by your doctor.
- Arranging for a companion to drive you home after the procedure due to sedation effects.
- Informed consent process explaining the procedure, benefits, and potential risks.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding from the treatment site, though the procedure itself is designed to stop bleeding.
- Perforation (a tear in the GI tract wall), though the risk is lower than with contact thermal techniques.
- Post-procedure pain, cramping, or a feeling of bloating.
- Infection, though uncommon.
- Reactions to sedatives, including respiratory issues or allergies.
- Stricture (narrowing) formation, especially after extensive ablation in the esophagus.
- Incomplete treatment, possibly requiring repeat sessions.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Observation in a recovery area for 1-2 hours until sedation wears off.
- You may feel groggy, bloated, or have a mild sore throat; these effects are temporary.
- Resume a normal diet as tolerated, often starting with clear liquids and advancing.
- Avoid driving, operating machinery, or making important decisions for the rest of the day.
- Your doctor will provide specific instructions based on the treated condition (e.g., acid suppression medication for esophageal treatments).
- Contact your doctor immediately for severe pain, fever, chills, persistent bleeding, or difficulty swallowing.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and treatment effectiveness.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 1-3 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering argon plasma coagulation in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for argon plasma coagulation in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Baner, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform argon plasma coagulation. MediFyr helps you compare gastroenterologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for argon plasma coagulation compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Argon Plasma Coagulation in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing argon plasma coagulation.
Myra Patel is a 68-year-old retired...
Myra Patel is a 68-year-old retired school librarian. She has a history of chronic acid reflux managed with medication. For several months, she experienced increasing fatigue, shortness of breath, and black, tarry stools. Blood tests revealed severe iron-deficiency anemia. A colonoscopy was normal, but an upper endoscopy showed several small, oozing angiodysplasias (fragile blood vessels) in her stomach and duodenum, which were the source of her slow, chronic bleeding. Her gastroenterologist, Dr. Evans, recommended Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) to cauterize these lesions and stop the bleeding. Myra was anxious about the procedure but relieved to have a non-surgical answer. During the outpatient endoscopy under sedation, Dr. Evans used the APC probe to deliver precise bursts of argon gas and electrical current, sealing the fragile vessels. Myra woke up with only a mild sore throat. Within a week, her energy began to return, and follow-up blood tests showed her hemoglobin steadily improving. Emotionally, she shifted from fearful exhaustion, worried about a more serious diagnosis, to profound relief and gratitude. She felt she had regained her vitality and could enjoy her retirement with her grandchildren without constant fatigue.
Gastroenterologists for Argon Plasma Coagulation
Explore experienced gastroenterologists who regularly perform argon plasma coagulation and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 25 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 34 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 20 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 14 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 18 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 49 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 32 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 30 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
- 21 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 9 Years Experience
- Gastroenterologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai