Endoscopic laser therapy for watermelon stomach

Gastroenterology. 1989 Jun;96(6):1462-5. doi: 10.1016/0016-5085(89)90513-1.

Abstract

Thirteen patients (9 women, 4 men) with anemia from acute and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding were found to have antral vascular disease consistent with watermelon stomach. The median age was 73 yr, with a range of 54-88 yr. Eight of the patients were transfusion-dependent, requiring a median of 5.5 U within the 12 mo before treatment. All were treated with endoscopic neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser coagulation. Endoscopic and hematologic improvement were evident in 12 patients available for follow-up after a median period of 6 mo. There was a median increase of 4 g/dl in hemoglobin concentration; thus, the need for transfusion was eliminated. No major complications were encountered. Laser coagulation for watermelon stomach appears to be safe and efficacious and may be a therapeutic alternative for this disorder.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anemia, Hypochromic / etiology
  • Anemia, Hypochromic / therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / complications
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / surgery*
  • Gastroscopy
  • Humans
  • Light Coagulation / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • Pyloric Antrum / blood supply
  • Pyloric Antrum / surgery
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Stomach Diseases / complications
  • Stomach Diseases / surgery*