Endoscopic electrocoagulation--an alternative to operative hemostasis in active gastroduodenal bleeding?

Endoscopic electrocoagulation was considered in 69 patients with active gastroduodenal bleeding including 60 patients with peptid ulcer. Permanent hemostasis was achieved in 56 patients (81%), including 16 patients with clinical indication for surgical intervention. Electrocoagulation failed or could not be applied in 13 patients, requiring operative hemostasis in 11 patients. Though no replacing emergency, endoscopic electrocoagulation can be successful, especially if it is applied in quiescent phase of massive, life-threatening hemorrhage, and should be considered before a possible emergency operation, especially in patients with no previous ulcer disease, in the presence of some other severe illness, or in patients of advanced age.