ENDOSCOPIC ELECTROCOAGULATION OF ACTIVELY BLEEDING ARTERIAL UPPER GASTRO-INTESTINAL LESIONS

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • editorial
    • Vol. 71  (5) , 516-521
Abstract
Emergency endoscopy to find the site of upper gastrointestinal bleeding is now accepted as the diagnostic method of choice. Endoscopic electrocoagulation in uncontrolled series was successful in 98% of patients so treated (142 of 147). If a vessel is seen in an ulcer bed, some preliminary data would support surgical treatment. While some physicians have found electrocoagulation safe and effective, there are some who remain guardedly cautious. In the near future, a multicenter randomized study will begin to further assess the usefulness, effectiveness and safety of endoscopic electrocoagulation.