Endoscopic Hemostasis

Expert Care for Gastrointestinal Bleeding

What is Endoscopic Hemostasis?

Endoscopic Hemostasis is a life-saving, minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose, control, and stop gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. GI bleeding can occur anywhere along the digestive tract, from the esophagus to the colon, and may result from ulcers, vascular abnormalities, tears, or other underlying conditions.

At Central Gastro, we provide advanced endoscopic hemostasis techniques to quickly and effectively stop bleeding, reduce complications, and restore your digestive health.

When is Endoscopic Hemostasis Needed?

Endoscopic Hemostasis is performed when there is evidence of active bleeding in the GI tract, which may present as:

• Hematemesis: Vomiting blood (bright red or “coffee ground” appearance).
• Melena: Black, tarry stools.
• Hematochezia: Passing fresh red blood through the rectum.
• Anemia: Symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and dizziness caused by chronic blood loss.

Common causes of GI bleeding include:

• Peptic ulcers (stomach or duodenal ulcers)
• Esophageal varices
• Mallory-Weiss tears (tears in the esophagus due to vomiting)
• Angiodysplasia (abnormal blood vessels)
• Colonic diverticular bleeding
• Polyps or tumors in the digestive tract

How is Endoscopic Hemostasis Performed?

Endoscopic Hemostasis is performed using an endoscope—a flexible, lighted tube with a camera—to locate the source of bleeding and apply targeted treatments. Common methods include:

1. Injection Therapy
   • A special solution is injected around the bleeding site to constrict blood vessels and stop the bleeding.
   • Sclerosing agents or glue are directly injected into the vessels in special circumstances
2. Thermal Coagulation
   • Heat energy is applied to seal the bleeding vessels using devices like electrocautery, specialized probes and argon plasma coagulation (APC).
3. Mechanical Therapy
   • Clips or bands are applied to close bleeding vessels or tears, such as in cases of ulcers or variceal bleeding. 
   • In select cases loops and specially devised stents are used.
4. EUS guided Therapy
   • Advanced haemostatic procedure in which coils and glue are injected into large bleeding varices in complex cases. 
5. Combination Therapy
   • Often, a combination of methods is used for the most effective control of bleeding.

These techniques are safe, effective, and performed with minimal discomfort under sedation or anesthesia.

Benefits of Endoscopic Hemostasis

• Rapid Bleeding Control: Stops acute or chronic GI bleeding quickly and effectively.
• Minimally Invasive: No surgery required; performed endoscopically.
• Diagnostic and Therapeutic: Identifies the bleeding source and stops it in the same procedure.
• Improved Outcomes: Reduces the risk of complications, blood loss, and the need for transfusions or surgery.

Who Needs Endoscopic Hemostasis?

If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical attention:

• Vomiting blood
• Passing black, tarry, or bloody stools
• Unexplained dizziness, fatigue, or weakness
• A sudden drop in blood pressure or rapid heart rate

At Central Gastro, we are equipped to provide emergency and elective endoscopic interventions to manage GI bleeding effectively.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

Before the Procedure:

• You will need to fast for 6–8 hours.
• Sedation or anesthesia will be administered for your comfort.

During the Procedure:

• An endoscope is inserted through the mouth (upper GI) or rectum (lower GI) to locate the bleeding source.
• The appropriate hemostatic treatment is applied to stop the bleeding.

After the Procedure:

• You will be monitored in a recovery area until the sedation wears off.
• You may experience mild throat discomfort or bloating, which resolves quickly.
• Follow-up instructions and any necessary dietary or medication guidelines will be provided.

When to Seek Help

Gastrointestinal bleeding can be life-threatening if untreated. If you experience any symptoms of GI bleeding, such as vomiting blood, black stools, or unexplained anemia, do not delay seeking care.