GI Bleeding Treatment
Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. At IYA Medical, our interventional radiologists offer minimally invasive techniques to locate and stop GI bleeding when other methods have failed.
What is GI Bleeding?
GI bleeding refers to any bleeding that occurs in the digestive tract, from the esophagus to the rectum. It can range from small amounts of blood detectable only in stool tests to severe, life-threatening hemorrhage.
Types of GI Bleeding
Upper GI Bleeding (above the small intestine):
- Peptic ulcers
- Esophageal varices
- Gastritis
- Mallory-Weiss tears
Lower GI Bleeding (small intestine and below):
- Diverticulosis
- Angiodysplasia (abnormal blood vessels)
- Colorectal polyps or cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Hemorrhoids
Symptoms of GI Bleeding
- Vomiting blood (bright red or coffee-ground appearance)
- Black, tarry stools (melena)
- Bright red blood in stool (hematochezia)
- Weakness and fatigue
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal pain
Interventional Radiology for GI Bleeding
When endoscopy cannot locate or stop GI bleeding, interventional radiology offers effective solutions:
Angiography and Embolization
- A small catheter is inserted through the groin artery
- Contrast dye is injected to locate the bleeding vessel
- Tiny particles, coils, or other agents are used to block the bleeding vessel
- Bleeding stops while preserving blood flow to healthy tissue
Benefits of Embolization:
- Highly effective: Success rates of 70-90%
- Minimally invasive: Only a small puncture site
- Can reach areas not accessible by endoscopy
- Can be life-saving in emergencies
- Avoids major surgery in many cases
When is Interventional Treatment Used?
- Endoscopy fails to control bleeding
- Bleeding source cannot be identified by endoscopy
- Patient is too unstable for surgery
- Small bowel bleeding (difficult to reach with standard endoscopy)
- Recurrent bleeding despite other treatments
Emergency Care
GI bleeding can be a medical emergency. If you experience severe symptoms like vomiting large amounts of blood or passing large amounts of blood in your stool, seek emergency medical care immediately.
For non-emergency consultations about GI bleeding treatment, contact IYA Medical.
