What Is GI Bleeding Management?

A set of endoscopic and medical treatments to identify and control bleeding anywhere in the digestive tract.

Why Do I Need It?

You may require bleeding management if you present with:

  • Hematemesis (vomiting blood)
  • Melena (black, tarry stool)
  • Hematochezia (fresh rectal bleeding)
  • Anemia from chronic blood loss

How Should I Prepare?

  • NPO (nothing by mouth) for 6 hours.
  • Blood tests and crossmatch performed.
  • Consent for endoscopic intervention.

What Happens During the Procedure?

  • Under sedation, the endoscope locates the bleeding source.
  • Therapies include:
    • Injection (epinephrine)
    • Thermal coagulation (heater probe, APC)
    • Mechanical clips or bands
  • Multiple modalities can be combined.

What Can I Expect Afterwards?

  • Monitor vitals and hemoglobin.
  • Resume diet per physician’s guidance.
  • Transfusion if needed.

Risks & Possible Complications

  • Rebleeding (5–15%)
  • Perforation (0.1–1%)
  • Adverse reaction to sedation

Report recurrent bleeding, dizziness, or chest pain immediately.

Follow‐Up

  • Repeat endoscopy if bleeding recurs.
  • Investigation for underlying cause (ulcer, varices, angiodysplasia).

Peptic Ulcer Disease

A patient information leaflet

What Is Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)?

Open sores (ulcers) in the lining of the stomach or duodenum caused by acid and digestive enzymes.

Why Do I Need Treatment?

Symptoms include:

  • Burning epigastric pain
  • Nausea, bloating, indigestion
  • Bleeding (if ulcer erodes a vessel)

How Should I Prepare?

  • No special prep; follow medication instructions.
  • Bring a list of all current medications.

What Happens During Diagnosis/Treatment?

  • Upper endoscopy confirms ulcer and evaluates for bleeding.
  • Treatment includes:
    • Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs)
      1. pylori eradication if positive
    • Antacids and mucosal protectants

What Can I Expect Afterwards?

  • Symptom relief within days of therapy.
  • Complete healing in 4–8 weeks.

Risks & Possible Complications

  • Bleeding (10–20%)
  • Perforation (<5%)
  • Stricture formation with healing (<2%)

Seek care for sudden severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or black stools.

Follow-Up

  • Repeat endoscopy if bleeding occurred or symptoms persist.
  • Confirm H. pylori eradication with non-invasive testing.