Hemostatic Spray for Lower GI Bleeding

Applying hemostatic spray to control lower GI bleeding was safe and effective in a prospective patient series.

Lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is responsible for 20% to 25% of GI bleeding and is a common cause of hospital admission. Among its multiple causes are diverticula, polypectomy, and angioectasia. Traditional methods to control bleeding include injection of epinephrine and application of hemoclips and cautery therapy. Hemostatic spray (Hemospray) is a newly available and FDA-approved topical option to control active bleeding.

In a manufacturer-sponsored, prospective, multicenter study in Canada, 50 patients (including 6 on anticoagulants) with 52 sites of endoscopically confirmed lower GI bleeding were treated with hemostatic spray. Bleeding, which primarily was from active oozing (87%), was controlled in 98% of patients, and rebleeding …

Reviewing Author

John R. Saltzman, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardIterative Scopes

Editorial BoardsGastrointestinal Endoscopy; UpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology (Trustee)

OtherVice President of Medical Affairs, 1Globe Health Institute