Transcatheter arterial embolization in patients with bleeding duodenal ulcer: an alternative to surgery.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) in patients with bleeding/rebleeding duodenal ulcers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Over a 6-year-period, 40 consecutive patients with bleeding/ rebleeding after endoscopic therapy and/or surgery for duodenal ulcer were included in the study. Superselective angiographic catheterization and coil embolization were performed by the same interventional radiologist.

RESULTS

Lasting hemostasis was achieved in 26 of 40 patients (65%). Transfusion requirement was reduced from median 14 (range 3-35) units of blood before TAE to 2 (range 0-53) units after TAE. Ten patients died, five because of continuous bleeding. No adverse effects as a result of TAE were seen.

CONCLUSION

TAE is an effective and safe treatment in a significant proportion of patients with bleeding duodenal/rebleeding ulcers after therapeutic endoscopy and/or surgery.