Overview

GI bleeding control is the use of endoscopic procedures to find and stop bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. Bleeding can happen in the upper GI tract (oesophagus, stomach, duodenum) or the lower GI tract (colon and rectum). Endoscopic treatment is a common part of upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy. Injection therapy, thermal cauterisation, hemoclip placement, band ligation, or the use of hemostatic agents are all examples of techniques used. Doctors can treat the source of the bleeding directly with these methods, without open surgery. Controlling GI bleeding is often performed as an emergency procedure to prevent excessive blood loss and keep the patient stable.

Why It's Done
When a patient vomits blood, has black stools, rectal bleeding, or a lot of blood loss that makes them weak or anaemic, GI bleeding control is done. Ulcers, varices, polyps, tumours, or inflammatory conditions can cause them. Quickly stopping bleeding stops problems like shock, organ damage, or anaemia that could kill you. The goal is to stop the bleeding and keep it from happening again.

What to Expect?
Before the procedure, the patient is given intravenous fluids or blood if needed to stabilize them. We keep a close eye on blood tests and vital signs. Sedation is given during endoscopy to make the patient more comfortable. An endoscope is inserted into the digestive tract to determine the source of the bleeding. The doctor may give you medicine, apply heat to seal the vessel, or use rubber band ligation for varices, depending on the cause. The procedure usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. After treatment, the patient is watched in the hospital to see if they bleed again. Doctors may prescribe medicines such as proton pump inhibitors.

Recovery & Outlook
The severity of the bleeding and its cause will affect how long it takes to heal. Many patients improve quickly after endoscopic treatment. Follow-up care and medication reduce the risk of the disease returning. Controlling GI bleeding is very effective and often means surgery isn't necessary.