Management of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Early surgical involvement in the management of a patient at high risk for recurrent bleeding, despite endoscopic intervention, is often optimal to assure continuity of care. Close collaboration of the surgical team with gastroenterologic endoscopy teams greatly benefits the patient. A detailed description of the location of the bleeding process is of great help for the surgeon as surgical decision making will be influenced by the distance from the gastroesophageal junction or pylorus, location on the anterior or posterior wall, greater or lesser curvature or incisura, and the size of the process.