Endoscopic electrocoagulation combined with cimetidine. A pilot study of the applicability in active bleeding from gastroduodenal ulcer.

Preliminary results of endoscopic electrocoagulation combined with Cimetidine are reported in a prospective series of 60 consecutive patients presenting with active bleeding from gastroduodenal ulcer. Coagulation was considered during the initial diagnostic emergency endoscopy, which revealed an accurate identificaion of the bleeding source in 59 patients. Coagulation was accomplished without local complication in 53 patients. Permanent electrohaemostasis was achieved in 47 patients (78%), including 14 patients with clinical indication for surgical intervention. Coagulation could not be applied or failed in 13 patients, requiring operative haemostasis in 11 patients. Though not replacing emergency operation, endoscopic electrocoagulation combined with Cimetidine could be considered an alternative, particularly in patients of advanced age or in the presence of other severe illness.