[Endoscopic picture of hemorrhage from the upper digestive tract in elderly patients]

The causes of upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding were analysed in 412 patients dividing them into age groups below and over 60 years. Both groups were compared using endoscopic classification of bleedings by Forrest. In the group aged over 60 years a significantly higher per cent of type II lesion was found, especially non-bleeding vascular stump protruding from the bottom of the ulcer. This lesion was associated in nearly half the cases with recurrence of bleeding. The finding of this endoscopic picture should suggest the necessity of a more radical operation, although the operative risk is higher in patients aged over 60 years.