Embolization of procedure-related upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Abstract

Non-surgical procedure-related, upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is considered as one of the rarest of all UGIB causes, although it is a serious complication when it occurs. It presented as hematemesis, melena or hemobilia in which is associated with hepatobiliary intervention. In most patients the bleeding resolves spontaneously and in those in which it does not, the majority respond to conservative management. Endoscopy is the first line of treatment if bleeding does not stop after medical management, although if it failed due to massive bleeding, in hemodynamically unstable patients or in hepatobiliary procedure-related bleeding, endovascular or surgical intervention should be considered. In this manuscript we will discuss the endovascular diagnosis and treatment of non-surgical procedure-related UGIB.