Hybrid Argon Plasma Coagulation for Barrett’s Esophagus and for Colonic Mucosal Resection—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Hybrid argon plasma coagulation (hAPC) is a novel technique that combines conventional argon plasma coagulation and waterjet submucosal expansion. The aims of this metanalysis were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of hAPC in the setting of Barret’s esophagus (BE) ablation and as an adjunct to colonic endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Four electronic databases were searched, and the results were analyzed by two independent authors. Random-effects meta-analyses of the proportions of endoscopic and histologic remission (for BE), recurrence, and post-procedure adverse events were performed using R. Studies’ reporting quality was also assessed. From the 979 identified records, 13 studies were included (10 regarding BE and three colonic EMR). The pooled percentages of endoscopic and histologic remission after hAPC for BE were 95% (95% confidence interval [CI] 91–99, I(2) = 34) and 90% (95%CI 84–95, I(2) = 46), respectively, while major adverse events and recurrence were registered in 2% (95%CI 0–5, I(2) = 41) and 11% (95%CI 2–27, I(2) = 11), respectively. Concerning hAPC-assisted EMR, the pooled percentages of major adverse events and recurrence were 5% (95%CI 2–10, I(2) = 0) and 1% (95%CI 0–3, I(2) = 40). Evidence suggests that the main advantages of hAPC are the increase in safety in the setting of BE ablation and the reduction of local recurrence after colonic EMR. Trials comparing hAPC with standard strategies are required to support its use for these indications.