[The management of bleeding ulcers].

Bleeding peptic ulcers are responsible for about half of all upper gastrointestinal hemorrhages, one of the most frequent gastroenterological emergencies. In its pathogenesis, infection with Helicobacter pylori and the use of ulcerogenic drugs play a dominant role. Endoscopy has to be performed urgently when a decline in hemoglobin and/or hemodynamic instability occurs. The indications for local endoscopic therapy depend on the Forrest criteria, which include bleeding and the presence or absence of a blood clot or visible vessel. Local endoscopic therapy comprises injections and mechanical or thermal procedures. The efficacy of these procedures has been demonstrated. Additionally, proton pump inhibitors are administered. The prognosis for bleeding ulcers depends on the endoscopic findings as well as the age and comorbidity of the patients.