Endoscopic hemostasis using high-frequency hemostatic forceps for hemorrhagic gastric ulcer

Gastric ulcer is a major responsible lesion for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Several methods for endoscopic hemostasis are widely used throughout Japan to treat the ulcerative lesion. High-frequency hemostatic forceps is one of the endoscopic coagulation devices developed solely for hemostasis. Unlike biopsy forceps, it has narrow opening angle, a small cup and a dull edge to make pinpoint holding of the target lesion possible. We applied high-frequency hemostatic forceps for eleven cases of hemorrhagic gastric ulcer with exposed vessels. All of the cases were treated by endoscopic hemostasis with the device. Initial hemostasis obtained in all of the cases(100%), and no rebleeding was observed. Additional treatment, however, was necessary in four cases(36%). No serious complication, like perforation, was observed. We concluded that endoscopic hemostasis using high-frequency hemostatic forceps for hemorrhagic gastric ulcer is safe and effective method.