RESUMO
Bleeding gastric ulcers is a common reason for emergency upper endoscopy in Emergency Center of Clinical Center of Serbia. Randomized controlled trials have shown that endoscopic hemostasis is beneficial for patients with a bleeding peptic ulcer. Aim of this study was to analyze the frequency, etiological factors and localization of bleeding gastric ulcer. At the same time we were evaluated a degree of bleeding activity according to Forrest's classification and modality of performed endoscopic hemostasis. All patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy for bleeding gastric ulcer in Emergency Center (January 2001 - December 2005.) were identified from an endoscopy database and the clinical records were reviewed retrospectivel. A total of 3954 patients underwent UGI endoscopy for presumed acute UGI hemorrhage. More than thirty % of them (31.1)-1230 had an endoscopic diagnosis of bleeding gastric ulcer. We observed 1230 bleeding patients (60% male and 40% female) with a mean age of 64.3. The commonest localization of bleeding gastric ulcers was antrum (54 - 15%). Percentage of patients who received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or salicilates before bleeding was 54 6%. The main symptom was melaena, which was observed in 82, 44% of patients with bleeding gastric ulcer. According to Forrest's classification of bleeding activity, the most of patients had F IB and F III degree (23, 41% and 22, 76%). Injection endoscopic hemostasis was performed in 26.34% patients, which had active bleeding (F IA, F IB) Hemostasis was initially obtained in 96% of bleeding patients. Bleeding gastric ulcer is one of the commonest endoscopic diagnosis in Emergency Center of Clinical Center of Serbia. The most frequent etiology factor was no--steroid antinflammatory drugs and/or salicilates. Injection endoscopic hemostasis is a safe procedure with a low cost, and, if successful, substantially reduces the need for emergency surgery.
