Can endoscopic injection of epinephrine prevent surgery in gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding? An analysis of 107 cases.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Gastroduodenal ulcers are still a common cause of severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Endoscopy has gained popularity worldwide over conventional open surgery for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. This study aims to assess the efficacy of endoscopic injection of epinephrine in the treatment of gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding.

METHODS:

This study was conducted between March 2000 and March 2003. We analyzed 107 consecutive patients admitted to our department of trauma and emergency surgery with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Endoscopy was performed on all 107 patients and bleeding ulcers were treated with injection of diluted epinephrine.

RESULTS:

Recurrent bleeding was seen in 21 patients (19.6%), all of whom underwent a second endoscopy. Four patients (3.7%) required a third endoscopy session and nine patients (8.5%) needed surgery after endoscopy failed. There were two mortalities (1.9%). The nine patients who required surgery and the two patients who died were all in the Forrest Ia and Ib groups of acute UGI hemorrhage.

DISCUSSION:

Endoscopic injection therapy with epinephrine reduces operation rates and can be used safely in adequate hemostasis of gastroduodenal ulcers.

• Authors: Cemalettin Ertekin, Hakan Yanar, Korhan Taviloglu, Recep Guloglu, Orhan Alimoglu
• Journal: Journal of laparoendoscopic & advanced surgical techniques. Part A (J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A) Vol. 14 Issue 3 Pg. 147-52 (Jun 2004) ISSN: 1092-6429 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15245666 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Vasoconstrictor Agents
• Epinephrine

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
• Epinephrine (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage (drug therapy, mortality, surgery)
• Hemostatic Techniques
• Humans
• Injections, Intralesional
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Peptic Ulcer (complications, surgery)
• Recurrence
• Retreatment
• Survival Rate
• Vasoconstrictor Agents (administration & dosage)