Introduction

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding remains a critical medical emergency, particularly in elderly patients and those with multiple comorbidities. While endoscopic therapy is considered the first-line approach, a subset of patients continue to bleed despite optimal intervention or present with high surgical risk. Recent interventional advances highlight transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) as a promising, minimally invasive alternative for managing refractory cases.

This article summarizes key findings from a prospective clinical study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of TAE in nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. For more peer-reviewed clinical insights and gastrointestinal research, visit
https://www.gastrohepatoljournal.com/index.php/acgh

Understanding Transcatheter Arterial Embolization (TAE)

Transcatheter arterial embolization is an endovascular procedure designed to control hemorrhage by selectively occluding bleeding vessels. It is particularly valuable when:

• Endoscopic hemostasis fails
• Surgery carries high mortality risk
• Bleeding recurs after prior interventions

The rich collateral blood supply of the upper gastrointestinal tract makes TAE a viable and relatively safe therapeutic option.

Study Design and Patient Profile

The study analyzed 15 patients treated with TAE for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding at a tertiary care center over a four-year period.

Key clinical characteristics included:

• Median patient age: 62 years (range 14–79)
• Majority presented with gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding
• Indications included failed endoscopy, failed surgery, or high surgical risk
• Significant transfusion requirements prior to embolization

Major Findings and Clinical Outcomes

The study demonstrated encouraging outcomes for patients undergoing TAE.

Procedural success and outcomes

• Technical success rate: 100%
• Rebleeding within 30 days: 13%
• Thirty-day mortality rate: 20%, primarily linked to advanced malignancy
• No procedure-related complications were reported

These findings reinforce the role of TAE as a reliable intervention in complex bleeding scenarios.

A detailed analysis can be found in our main journal article available on
https://www.gastrohepatoljournal.com/index.php/acgh

Causes of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Managed by TAE

The most common etiologies treated with embolization included:

• Gastroduodenal ulcers
• Liver malignancies and hemangiomas
• Pancreatic cancer–related bleeding
• Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms
• Traumatic arteriovenous fistulas

The gastroduodenal artery was the most frequently embolized vessel.

Broader Clinical Perspective

International gastroenterology and radiology organizations recognize the growing importance of interventional radiology in bleeding control. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) highlights that when endoscopic therapy fails, transcatheter interventions offer an effective alternative while avoiding the risks associated with emergency surgery. Similarly, global consensus guidelines support minimally invasive strategies to improve outcomes in high-risk patients.

Why TAE Is Gaining Clinical Preference

• Avoids laparotomy in fragile patients
• High technical success rates
• Lower complication risk compared to surgery
• Can be repeated if rebleeding occurs

These advantages position TAE as a cornerstone therapy for endoscopy refractory upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Access the Original Research

Read the full study at
https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.acgh.1001008

This open-access article provides comprehensive procedural details, patient outcomes, and imaging examples.

Conclusion

Transcatheter arterial embolization represents a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding when conventional therapies fail. The study’s findings support its use as a preferred alternative to surgery in high-risk patients, reinforcing its role in modern gastrointestinal bleeding management.

Explore more studies at https://www.gastrohepatoljournal.com/index.php/acgh and join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments below!

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