Value of endoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of bleeding gastro-duodenal ulcers, erosions and other benign conditions

Background: Result of recent advances in the treatment of peptic ulcer, prevalence and severity of these conditions are expected to decline. Growing experience and courage of endoscopists may lead more succesful haemostatic attempts and may decrease the number of acute surgical interventions in massive gastro-duodenal bleeding. Patients and methods: From 2000 to 2004 nearly 17000 (approx. 3500/year) gastroscopies were performed in the lst Department of Medicine. Urgent endoscopy indicated by massive gastro-duodenal bleeding were done in 808 cases (4.75%). Results: Endoscopic diagnosis were gastric ulcer in 151 c…