USEFULNESS OF HEATER PROBE ON HEMOSTASIS OF LOCALIZED TELANGIECTASIA IN UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT: A REPORT OF THREE CASES

Abstract

We experienced 3 cases with localized gastric or duodenal telangiectasias in whom a heater probe was effective for hemostasis of the lesions. They had had an attack of hematoemesis and/or melena. Endoscopy showed a spot of fresh red and flat telangiectasia in their stomach or duodenal bulb, and no other hemorrhagic lesion was found. The lesions were treated with a heater probe and disappeared thereafter. No upper gastrointestinal bleeding has occured after the treatment. The heater probe is widely used for hemostasis of hemorrhagic ulcers with exposed vessels. This treatment may be useful not only for the ulcers but also for telangiectasias in gastrointestinal tract.