Argon plasma coagulation of gastric inlet patches for the treatment of globus sensation: it is an effective therapy in the long term.

AIM To determine the long-term effect of argon plasma coagulation (APC) of gastric inlet patches in the cervical esophagus for patients suffering from globus sensation. METHODS We intended to follow up all patients between 2004 and 2011 (n = 49) who received argon plasma ablation of gastric inlet patches for globus sensation at our clinic. Symptoms were assessed by a visual analogue scale (VAS) in 31 of 49 patients. Follow-up endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract was performed to confirm residual or relapsed cervical inlet patches. RESULTS After a median period of 27 months, APC was assessed as a successful therapy in 23 of 31 patients (74%). VAS scores decreased significantly from 7.6 to 4.0 in the long term. Twenty-two of 31 patients were willing to undergo follow-up endoscopy. Endoscopy revealed recurrent/residual gastric inlet patches after APC in 11 of 22 cases. These patients suffered from a significant relapse of symptoms in the postinterventional period (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION This retrospective study indicates that APC of gastric inlet patches for the treatment of globus sensation might be a sufficient therapy option. Recurrences or residual heterotopic gastric mucosa are possible and seem to be associated with a relapse of symptoms. Therefore, endoscopic follow-up and retreatment might be necessary if globus sensation is not sufficiently eliminated.