[Can endoscopic methods decrease the mortality and complication rate of bleeding stomach and duodenal ulcer? A study of the literature]

Abstract

Bleedings from gastroduodenal ulcers still pose a major threat to health and life of a patient. Recent technical developments have provided the endoscopist with several methods for achieving hemostasis. In the present paper the results from clinical studies concerning interventional endoscopy shall be discussed. Criteria for the therapeutic approach for an individual patient shall be presented. Optimal results are possible if diagnosis and initial treatment are handled quickly by an experienced endoscopist. Early cooperation with the surgeon will further improve the outcome.