Download PDF
Endoscopy 1984; 16(1): 6-9
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1018515
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Endoscopic Bipolar Electrocoagulation in Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

K. Hajiro* , H. Yamamoto* , H. Matsui* , D. Tsujimura* , T. Yamamoto* , T. Hirooka** , A. Todo***
  • *Second Department of Internal Medicine, Kinki University School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
  • **Department of Medicine, Tokushukai Kishiwada Hospital, Osaka, Japan
  • ***Department of Gastroenterology, Kobe Municipal Central Hospital, Kobe, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
17 March 2008 (online)

Also available at
  PDF Download  Permissions and Reprints

Summary

A new endoscopically deliverable bipolar electrocoagulator has been developed, and employed clinically to treat upper gastrointestinal bleeding in 53 patients on 61 occasions. By direct application of the electrode to the bleeding vessels immediate hemostasis was achieved in 52 out of 53 bleeding vessels. Non-bleeding visible vessels were safely coagulated. Arrest of bleeding was permanent in 44 patients (83 %), of whom 20 were candidates for emergency operation because of massive, continued or recurrent bleeding. Rebleeding after hemostasis by bipolar electrocoagulation was noted in 8 patients (15 %); however, the majority of rebleeds were those with acute mucosal lesions who had serious underlying medical problems. Emergency operation was performed in 5 patients, and was averted in most patients after successful hemostasis by bipolar electrocoagulation. There were no complications related to the procedure. Bipolar electrocoagulation with our coagulator is a safe and easily applicable technique that is a promising addition to currently available endoscopic hemostatic methods.

Key words:

Endoscopic electrocoagulation - Bipolar electrocoagulation - Bipolar electrocoagulator - Upper gastrointestinal bleeding

      >