The Usefulness of Endoscopic Hemoclipping in the Management of Mallory - Weiss syndrome

Shim, Chan Sup; Lee, Joon Seong; Lee, Moon Sung; Cho, Joo Young; Cho, Young Deok; Lee, Young Hong; Bong, Hyung Keun; Kim, Jin Oh; Kim, Yun Soo; Hwang, Seong Gyu; Park, Yong Soon

Abstract

Mallory-Weiss syndrome is a laceration in the region of the gastroesophageal junction due to vomiting, retching, coughing preceding hematemesis in alcoholic patient. Bleeding from Mallory-Weiss tears stop spontaneously without specific therapy in 80-90 percent of patient, but rebleeding is uncommonly occurring in 2 to 5 percent of patients. Thus most patients require only supportive care. Rarely endoscopic therapy or operative therapy may be required. We conducted an uncontrolled study to evaluate an improved metallic clip(Olympus hemoclip) for the endoscopic treatment of Mallory-Weiss syndrome. Initial hemostasis was achieved in all patients with active bleeding. No complications resulted from this treatment. Clips did not impair healing of teared mucosa. We conclude that endoscopic hemoclip placement is a highly effective and safe method for treating uncontrolled Mallory-Weis syndrome.