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Upper GI SurgeryManagement

Upper GI Bleeding Surgical Management (WSES)

Upper GI Bleeding Surgical Management (WSES): Failed Endoscopic Hemostasis → Hemodynamic Status → IR Candidate? → Angioembolization → Post-Op Care.

Interactive Decision Tree

Mini Map

Algorithm Steps

  1. Start

    Failed Endoscopic Hemostasis

    After 2nd attempt or massive hemorrhage

    1. Decision

      Hemodynamic Status

      • Ongoing transfusion >6 units/24h
      • Persistent hypotension
      • Active hemorrhage on repeat EGD
      1. Decision

        IR Candidate?

        • Stable for transport
        • IR available 24/7
        • Bleeding vessel visible
        1. Action

          Angioembolization

          Selective embolization

          • Celiac/SMA angiography
          • GDA embolization common
          1. Action

            Post-Op Care

            ICU, PPI infusion, H. pylori test

            1. End

              Recovery & Prevention

              H. pylori eradication, NSAID cessation

        2. Action

          Peptic Ulcer Surgery

          Suture ligation +/- resection

          • Gastric: wedge resection + biopsy
          • Duodenal: duodenotomy + suture
          • Avoid vagotomy in acute setting
      2. Action

        Immediate Surgery

        Hemodynamically unstable

        1. Action

          Non-Ulcer Source

          Dieulafoy, GIST, aortoenteric

          • Wedge resection or oversewing
          • Aortoenteric: aortic control first

Guideline Source

WSES Guidelines for the Management of Acute Upper GI Bleeding

Clinical Safety Information

Clinical Decision Support — Not a Substitute for Clinical Judgment

Individual patient factors may require deviation from these recommendations.

Known Limitations

  • Applies AFTER failed endoscopic therapy
  • Variceal bleeding has separate pathway
  • IR availability varies by institution
  • Damage control surgery may be needed in extremis

Applicable Regions

USAUUKEU

AU: ANZGOSA upper GI emergency guidelines

UK: NICE acute upper GI bleeding pathway

US: WSES and ASGE guidelines

Version 1Next review: 2028-01-01

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Upper GI Bleeding Surgical Management (WSES)?

The Upper GI Bleeding Surgical Management (WSES) is a management clinical algorithm for Upper GI Surgery. It provides a structured decision tree to guide clinical decision-making, based on WSES Guidelines for the Management of Acute Upper GI Bleeding.

What guideline is the Upper GI Bleeding Surgical Management (WSES) based on?

This algorithm is based on WSES Guidelines for the Management of Acute Upper GI Bleeding (DOI: 10.1186/s13017-023-00493-1).

What are the limitations of the Upper GI Bleeding Surgical Management (WSES)?

Known limitations include: Applies AFTER failed endoscopic therapy; Variceal bleeding has separate pathway; IR availability varies by institution; Damage control surgery may be needed in extremis. Individual patient factors may require deviation from these recommendations.

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