[Observations apropos 500 case reports of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhages]

In this study of 500 cases of bleeding from the upper digestive tract, the importance of emergency fibre endoscopy is emphasised. It is in fact the only way to demonstrate acute gastro-duodenal lesions which are very frequent, especially during post-operative intensive care. As far as treatment is concerned, the interest of gastric lavage with ice-cold drinks is emphasised in hemostasis. As far as surgery is concerned, the indications are now well known depending on the rate of transfusion during the first few hours and the etiology. In chronic duodenal ulcers, vagotomy, pyloroplasty and suture of the ulcer have always given good results. This is also the case with acute ulcers. On the other hand, in gastric ulcers, gastrectomy remains the treatment of choice. When bleeding is due to oesophageal varices, surgery is only indicated in exceptional cases.