Ulcers with stigmata of recent hemorrhage (SRH) but without evidence of active bleeding
(Forrest 11 bleeding) are a common endoscopic finding in patients with upper gastrointestinal
bleeding. This study considers the problem of identifying patients in this group at
risk of further bleeding and death. The high incidence of rebleeding in patients with
visible vessel and the low incidence in patients with other SRH or no SRH suggest
that endoscopic therapy in the absence of active bleeding is best limited to patients
with visible vessels in ulcers that have recently bled. Evidence from controlled trials
of laser therapy is presented which suggests that laser therapy can reduce the incidence
of rebleeding in such patients with visible vessel.
Bleeding ulcer - Endoscopy - Laser - Visible vessel - Stigmata of recent hemorrhage
