Advances in Endoscopy

AB A number of therapeutic options have been available for years. Their respective efficacies depend on, to a certain extent, the etiology of the bleeding, whether the bleeding is occurring in the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract, and whether the bleeding is malignant or nonmalignant. Even within nonmalignant bleeding, there exist various causes, including ulcers or nonulcer etiologies with varying natural histories. One of the traditional options for delivering endoscopic hemostasis is thermal therapy, of which there are numerous types, including both contact and noncontact methods of delivery. There also exists injection therapy (usually injection of epinephrine mixed with saline). Finally, there are mechanical methods of hemostasis, which include endoscopic clips (likely the most widely applied mechanical measure currently being used), as well as ligation band devices in addition to other technologies.