Thomas R McCarty1,2, Rajat Garg3, Tarun Rustagi4. 1. Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. 2. Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. 3. Department of Internal Medicine, Saint John Hospital and Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA. 4. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although argon plasma coagulation is the current standard endoscopic treatment for chronic radiation proctitis (CRP), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as an attractive alternative. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RFA for the treatment of CRP. METHODS: Searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were performed from 2004 through March 2018. Review and data abstraction were performed independently by two authors. Measured outcomes included hemoglobin, transfusion dependence, number of treatment sessions, RFA settings, and serious adverse events. RESULTS: Six studies (n = 71; mean age 73.41 ± 1.88 years; 90.14% male) were included. Thirty-eight percent of patients failed prior treatment with argon plasma coagulation. Patients underwent a mean of 1.71 ± 0.34 RFA sessions with 24.54 ± 16.47 RFA applications per session. Pooled clinical and endoscopic success of RFA was 99% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 90-100; P < 0.001) and 100% (95% CI: 94-100; P < 0.001), respectively. Serious adverse events were reported in one patient-pooled rate of 0% (95% CI: 0-3; P < 0.001). Mean pre-procedure hemoglobin was 10.38 ± 1.82 g/dL with significant improvement observed post-RFA [weighted mean difference 2.49 g/dL (95% CI: 2.16-2.82; P < 0.001)]. Among transfusion-dependent patients, 85% (95% CI: 68-97; P < 0.001) became transfusion-free post-RFA. Pooled mean follow-up was 19.73 ± 9.72 months. CONCLUSION: Despite limited long-term data on RFA for CRP, available evidence suggests RFA is an effective and safe treatment.
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although argon plasma coagulation is the current standard endoscopic treatment for chronic radiation proctitis (CRP), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as an attractive alternative. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RFA for the treatment of CRP. METHODS: Searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were performed from 2004 through March 2018. Review and data abstraction were performed independently by two authors. Measured outcomes included hemoglobin, transfusion dependence, number of treatment sessions, RFA settings, and serious adverse events. RESULTS: Six studies (n = 71; mean age 73.41 ± 1.88 years; 90.14% male) were included. Thirty-eight percent of patients failed prior treatment with argon plasma coagulation. Patients underwent a mean of 1.71 ± 0.34 RFA sessions with 24.54 ± 16.47 RFA applications per session. Pooled clinical and endoscopic success of RFA was 99% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 90-100; P < 0.001) and 100% (95% CI: 94-100; P < 0.001), respectively. Serious adverse events were reported in one patient-pooled rate of 0% (95% CI: 0-3; P < 0.001). Mean pre-procedure hemoglobin was 10.38 ± 1.82 g/dL with significant improvement observed post-RFA [weighted mean difference 2.49 g/dL (95% CI: 2.16-2.82; P < 0.001)]. Among transfusion-dependent patients, 85% (95% CI: 68-97; P < 0.001) became transfusion-free post-RFA. Pooled mean follow-up was 19.73 ± 9.72 months. CONCLUSION: Despite limited long-term data on RFA for CRP, available evidence suggests RFA is an effective and safe treatment.
Authors: Laura Lamonaca; Francesco Auriemma; Danilo Paduano; Mario Bianchetti; Federica Spatola; Piera Galtieri; Roberta Maselli; Alessandro Repici; Benedetto Mangiavillano Journal: Endosc Int Open Date: 2022-06-10