[Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding]

The acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding continues to represent one of the most frequent gastrointestinal emergencies both in hospital and out-patient settings. While the underlying etiology is widespread, the leading causes for such bleeding events are gastro-duodenal ulcers and esophageal or gastric varices. Given the potential life-threatening character of the bleeding, the first step in treating such a patient is the assessment of the severity of the bleeding based upon clinical and laboratory parameters. This translates into the time point of performing an endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The role of gastro-esophago-duodenoscopy is defined by its dual function for the diagnosis of the exact origin of the bleeding and the therapy of the bleeding during the same examination. Drug administration has to accompany this endoscopic intervention. Effective acid suppression is in the focus of conservative treatment. In case of varices, additional medication has to be given to lower the portovenous pressure. Following persistent bleeding after endoscopic intervention, radiological and surgical treatment options have to be discussed in time.