Endoscopic therapy of bleeding gastrointestinal hemangiomas and angiodysplasia

A variety of vascular lesions may be found in the gastrointestinal tract. They make up a small but significant percentage of all gastrointestinal bleeders, especially from the colon. New endoscopic techniques have made therapy as well as diagnosis possible. In order to fully use this modality we must understand the incidence, pathology, distribution, and pathophysiology of these lesions. Types of treatment presently available will be discussed.