Emergency endoscopy in upper digestive hemorrhage

: In our hospital the incidence of upper digestive hemorhage [UDH] is greater after the 4th decade of age and predominantes in the male sex. The patients' clinical data was important in the diagnosis of the lesion. In 63% of our cases a close relation was found between the previous intake of substances considered ulcerogenous and the hemorrhagic episode, as well as the presence of stress situations. In our experiences the causes of UDH in order of their frequency are: 1. Acute lesions of the gastric mucosa. 2. Duodenal ulcer. 3. Gastric ulcer. 4. Stomal ulcer. 5. Bleeding esophagitis. 6. Others. The digestive hemorrhages of undetermined caused corresponded to 2,33% of the cases. The early diagnosis of UDH by means of emergency endoscope was of great value in the therapeutic handling of patients.