Treating the patient with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage

The basic approach to a patient with upper GI hemorrhage is primarily stabilization of any hemodynamic insufficiency. A patient history that includes alcohol abuse, ulcer disease, or esophageal varices may call for immediate endoscopy. Approximately 20% of all patients fail to respond to any therapy except surgery; however, a majority of patients who receive appropriate support and resuscitation will stop bleeding.