Therapeutic endoscopy for gastrointestinal bleeding.

Patients with variceal or other gastrointestinal hemorrhage require aggressive resuscitative measures and early diagnosis for optimal therapy. A number of nonsurgical endoscopic modalities, such as laser therapy, sclerotherapy, heater probe and electrocoagulation (monopolar or bipolar), are available to arrest and sometimes to prevent hemorrhage. The family physician should be aware of these options so that access to them can be offered to patients if needed.