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Argon plasma coagulation for endoscopic treatment for congenital pyriform sinus fistula in children
Yanyan Wang1,2, Youtao Chen1,2,3, Hailin Wu1,2
1Department of Gastroenterology, Fujian Children's Hospital(Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center), No. 966, Hengyu Road, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350014, China.
Insights
Argon plasma coagulation (APC) offers a safe and effective endoscopic treatment for congenital pyriform sinus fistulas (CPSF) in children. This minimally invasive approach demonstrated no recurrence or complications in a recent pediatric study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Otolaryngology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Congenital pyriform sinus fistulas (CPSF) are rare congenital anomalies.
- Traditional treatments can be invasive and associated with complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a novel endoscopic approach using argon plasma coagulation (APC) for treating pediatric CPSF.
- To assess the safety and outcomes of APC in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 30 pediatric patients with CPSF treated between 2021 and 2025.
- Procedures utilized endoscopy-assisted APC.
- Patients underwent pre- and post-operative diagnostic imaging and follow-up.
Main Results:
- All 30 APC procedures were successfully completed without immediate complications.
- No instances of pharyngeal fistula, dysphagia, or infection were reported.
- Follow-up ranging from 2 weeks to 3 years showed no recurrence of CPSF.
Conclusions:
- Endoscopy-assisted APC is a promising, minimally invasive treatment for pediatric CPSF.
- The technique offers advantages such as reduced trauma, minimal bleeding, and clear visualization.
- APC appears safe and effective, supporting wider clinical adoption for infants and children with CPSF.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel endoscopic approach using argon plasma coagulation (APC) for the treatment of congenital pyriform sinus fistulas (CPSF) in children.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 pediatric patients with PSF who were treated at Fujian Children's Hospital (Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center) between 2021 and 2025. All patients underwent neck color Doppler ultrasound and electronic laryngoscopy, with systematically analyzed of the results. Postoperative follow-up was performed at multiple time points.
Results:
All 30 procedures were successfully completed, with no cases of pharyngeal fistula, dysphagia, or infection around or beyond the fistula tract. During the follow-up period, ranging from 2 weeks to 3 years, no recurrence was observed.
Conclusion:
Endoscopy-assisted argon plasma coagulation is a promising treatment for CPSF in children, offering advantages including minimal trauma, reduced bleeding, and clear visualization. This method appears safe and effective for infants and children with CPSF and warrants wider clinical adoption.
