Transcatheter arterial embolization in the management of bleeding duodenal ulcers : A 5.5-year retrospective study of treatment and outcome

Objective. The mortality rate associated with bleeding duodenal ulcer disease is about 10%. Primary endoscopic hemostasis is successful in over 90% of patients, but in 15–25%, the bleeding cannot be controlled endoscopically or the patient rebleeding, requiring alternative treatment. Percutaneous transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) has been proposed as an alternative to surgery and was introduced at Ulleval University Hospital in Oslo, Norway, in June 2000. In this study we report our experiences in 36 patients. Material and methods. A retrospective review identified all patients admitted to Ulleval University Hospital with hematemesis and/or melena and endsocopically verified duodenal ulcer from June 2000 to 2005. The indication for TAE was endoscopically unmanageable bleeding/rebleeding or rebleeding after surgery. Technical success was defined as acute hemostasis. Clinical success was defined as technical success without rebleeding within 30 days. Results. A total of 278 patients (mean age 73 yea...