Hemospray for treatment of acute bleeding due to upper gastrointestinal tumours

Abstract

Background: Hemospray is a new endoscopic haemostatic powder that can be used in the management of upper gastrointestinal bleedings.

Aims: To assess the efficacy and safety of Hemospray as monotherapy for the treatment of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to cancer.

Methods: The endoscopy databases of 3 Italian Endoscopic Units were reviewed retrospectively and 15 patients (8 males; mean age 74 years) were included in this study.

Results: Immediate haemostasis was achieved in 93% of cases. Among the successful cases, 3 re-bled, one case treated with Hemospray and injection had a good outcome, while 2 cases died both re-treated with Hemospray, injection and thermal therapy. No complications related to Hemospray occurred. Finally, 80% of patients had a good clinical outcome at 30days and 50% at six months.

Conclusion: Hemospray may be considered an effective and safe method for the endoscopic management of acute neoplastic upper gastrointestinal bleedings.

Keywords: Hemospray; New endoscopic hemostatic treatment; Upper gastrointestinal cancer; Upper gastrointestinal neoplastic bleeding.