Hémorragies digestives et radiologie interventionnelle

Radiological techniques and therapy are an important component of the armentarium in evaluating and treating gastro intestinal bleeding, particularly when the bleeding site is obscure or undetermined after thorough endoscopic evaluation, when the bleeding is massive or refractory to endoscopic therapy. Major breakthroughs in catheter and guidewire design as well as improvements in angiographic x-ray equipment currently allow interventional radiologists to diagnose massive life-threatening upper and lower gastro intestinal haemorrhage and to stop the bleeding safely and effectively using superselective catheterization and microcoil embolization. Gastrointestinal bleeding, especially when severe or refractory, is best managed by a team approach with the team including the radiologist, internist, gastroenterologist, and surgeon.