GI Bleeding Embolization
Stop severe bleeding from the anus or mouth without surgery
What is GI Bleeding Embolization?
Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure to stop severe bleeding in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by blocking blood vessels. It’s used when endoscopy or medications fail.
Common Causes
Bleeding from the Anus
- •Diverticular disease
- •Hemorrhoids
- •Colorectal cancer
- •Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Bleeding from the Mouth
- •Peptic ulcers
- •Esophageal varices
- •Mallory-Weiss tears
- •Stomach/duodenal tumors
Procedure Details
1. Pre-Procedure
Diagnosis with endoscopy/colonoscopy or CT angiography. Multidisciplinary team evaluation.
2. During Procedure
• Local anesthesia with sedation
• Catheter inserted via groin/wrist artery
• Embolic agents (coils/particles) injected
• Real-time imaging guidance
3. Post-Procedure
• 6-24 hours hospital monitoring
• Quick recovery (1-2 days)
• Follow-up imaging/endoscopy
Benefits
- ✓Life-saving for severe bleeding
- ✓No surgical incisions
- ✓Lower complication risk vs. surgery
Risks
- •Bowel ischemia (rare)
- •Rebleeding (10-20%)
- •Infection at puncture site
Who Needs This?
- •Active bleeding unresponsive to endoscopy
- •High-risk surgical patients
- •Recurrent bleeding despite treatment
Emergency GI Bleeding?
Seek immediate care for:
- •Vomiting blood
- •Black/tarry stools
- •Dizziness or fainting
Key Facts
Procedure Time
1-2 hours
Success Rate
75-90%
Hospital Stay
1-3 days