Transarterial embolization is a safe procedure when endoscopy fails to control peptic ulcer bleeding, according to a study in GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Transarterial embolization clogs small blood vessels and blocks the flow of blood. In the study, bleeding recurred in 11 patients in the TAE group and in 7 patients in the surgery group and more complications were observed in patients who underwent surgery.
Other studies have found that bleeding continues or recurs in 13 percent of peptic ulcer patients after endoscopic treatment, and surgery, as a next step, is linked to a 55 percent morbidity rate and 30 percent mortality rate.
Read the study in GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy on endoscopy.
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