Nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding refractory to endoscopy: The role of interventional radiology and surgery

Acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a common and life-threatening emergency. Despite optimal endoscopic and pharmacologic therapy, 8%-10% of patients continue to bleed or develop rebleeding. Surgery has been the traditional salvage treatment in these patients. However, surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. In the past few decades, transarterial embolization has emerged as a promising nonoperative alternative to surgery. High technical (69%-100%) and clinical success rate (63%-97%) were reported.
Source: Techniques in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Source Type: research