title: Bleeding as a complication to endoscopic biopsies from the gastric remnant after ulcer surgery.
abstract: Bleeding is a potential but rare complication after endoscopic biopsies of the gastric mucosa in non-operated patients. The resected stomach, however, seems to run an increased risk of this complication. In a retrospective study comprising 1843 consecutive biopsy examinations of the gastric remnant, 15 bleeding episodes were recorded (0.8%). The frequency of bleeding was 1.1% for the Billroth-II-resected stomach and 0.2% for the Billroth-I-resected stomach. In two patients the bleeding was excessive, requiring emergency surgery. Six other patients required blood transfusions. The observed frequency of bleeding was probably a minimal estimate, suggested by a 20% occult bleeding found in a small prospective study. When planning follow-up examination of patients who have had a gastrectomy, the risk of bleeding should be taken into account, and the patients should be appropriately informed and supervised.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005743:Gastrectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000601:surgery; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D005773:Gastroscopy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012306:Risk; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000601:surgery*