Mallory-Weiss syndrome with severe bleeding: Treatment by endoscopic ligation

There is no consensus as to the best treatment far Mallory-Weiss fears with severe bleeding. Endoscopic ligation is an inexpensive, readily available, and easily learned technique, in contrast to conventional thermocoagulatio n or hemoclipping. To evaluate the utility of endoscopic ligation, we perfo rmed this technique during emergency endoscopy to treat severe bleeding fro m Mallory-Weiss tears in four patients in our hospital with continuous acti ve bleeding from Mallory-Weiss tears. The patients were all male with an av erage age of 40.5 years. Symptoms associated with increased intra-abdominal pressure, including retching and vomiting were reported by all patients. T he bleeding paints were aspirated and controlled by endoscopic ligation, an d complete hemostasis was achieved in ail cases, We conclude that endoscopi c ligation is easy to perform and may provide an alternative treatment far severe bleeding from Mallory-Weiss tears. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunde rs Company.