Successful treatment of two patients with gastric antral vascular ectasia ‘watermelon stomach’ using endoscopic Nd‐YAG laser therapy

Abstract

Two patients with gastric antral vascular ectasia--'watermelon stomach'--successfully treated with endoscopic Nd-YAG laser are described. This condition is an uncommon cause of iron deficiency anaemia due to chronic blood loss and is usually managed by antrectomy. Endoscopic therapy with Nd-YAG laser offers an effective and safe alternative to surgery particularly in the elderly poor-risk patient.