ENDOSCOPIC SCLEROTHERAPY OF BLEEDING GASTRODUODENAL ULCERS

Mortality in upper GI tract bleeding has not been affected by the introduction of diagnostic fibre optic endoscopy. Recently, however, several modes of treatment delivered through the endoscope have been shown to be effective in improving the outcome of bleeding ulcers. We have retrospectively evaluated the course of 58 patients who underwent endoscopic treatment of a bleeding ulcer. Hemostasis was initially obtained in 93% of patients. 19 (34%) had a relapse of hemorrhage and 15 of these underwent emergency operation. 5 patients (8.6%) died; one of these deaths was due to a complication of endoscopic treatment. Definitive hemostasis was obtained in 41 patients (71%). Endoscopic sclerotherapy of bleeding gastroduodenal ulcers is effective, simple, and cheap, and should be considered in all patients presenting a high risk of relapse.