[Endoscopic Doppler ultrasound in gastroduodenal ulcer hemorrhage].

AIMS

Investigation of the information value of endoscopic Doppler ultrasonography of the base of the ulcer in comparison with visual endoscopic assessment of bleeding gastroduodenal ulcers using the Forrest classification.

STUDY DESIGN

Open prospective comparative study involving 30 patients with acutely bleeding gastroduodenal ulcers. Where Doppler ultrasonography revealed an artery in the base of the ulcer, injection with epinephrine and polidocanol was administered. Follow-up examinations were performed on day 2 and after 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Endoscopic Doppler ultrasonography reliably identifies the vessels responsible for bleeding from gastroduodenal ulcers, in particular in lesions with stigmata of recent bleeding (Forrest II), but also in ulcers with no such stigmata but a history of bleeding (Forrest III). In addition, Doppler ultrasonography also allows the results of injection therapy to be determined.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic Doppler ultrasonography makes possible the rapid and efficient identification of invisible vessels in the ulcer floor responsible for bleeding.