Summary
A new endoscopically deliverable bipolar electrocoagulator has been developed, and
employed clinically to treat upper gastrointestinal bleeding in 53 patients on 61
occasions. By direct application of the electrode to the bleeding vessels immediate
hemostasis was achieved in 52 out of 53 bleeding vessels. Non-bleeding visible vessels
were safely coagulated. Arrest of bleeding was permanent in 44 patients (83 %), of
whom 20 were candidates for emergency operation because of massive, continued or recurrent
bleeding. Rebleeding after hemostasis by bipolar electrocoagulation was noted in 8
patients (15 %); however, the majority of rebleeds were those with acute mucosal lesions
who had serious underlying medical problems. Emergency operation was performed in
5 patients, and was averted in most patients after successful hemostasis by bipolar
electrocoagulation. There were no complications related to the procedure. Bipolar
electrocoagulation with our coagulator is a safe and easily applicable technique that
is a promising addition to currently available endoscopic hemostatic methods.
Key words:
Endoscopic electrocoagulation - Bipolar electrocoagulation - Bipolar electrocoagulator
- Upper gastrointestinal bleeding
