Development of hyperplastic polyps following laser therapy for watermelon stomach

Background: Our goal was to evaluate the long-term sequelae of repeated thermal injury to the gastric mucosa of patients undergoing laser therapy for watermelon stomach. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent endoscopic laser therapy for watermelon stomach from 1987 to 1994 was performed to identify patients with antral polyps following laser photoablation therapy. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired t test. Results: Antral hyperplastic polyps as large as 4 cm developed in 4 of 60 patients (7%) and were associated with recurrent anemia in 3. All patients had received significantly more laser thermal energy during the course of therapy for their watermelon stomach. Conventional polypectomy was used to remove the polyps. Conclusions: Repeated thermal injury to the antral mucosa in patients with the watermelon stomach may result in the development of hyperplastic polyps. These may be large, may contribute to significant blood loss with anemia, and are amenable to conventional polypectomy.