How is gastric bleeding treated?

Gastric bleeding requires surgical treatment. If the gastric bleeding is caused by liver cirrhosis, a shunt can be established between the hepatic vein and the portal vein, followed by thromboembolization using a stent. For gastric fundal and esophageal varices, hemostasis can be achieved via balloon tamponade using a Sengstaken–Blakemore tube (triple-lumen, double-balloon tube). Primary pharmacologic therapy includes intravenous somatostatin infusion, endoscopic evaluation, and endoscopic injection of sclerosing agents. If bleeding persists or fails to improve, interventional radiological procedures (e.g., transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt [TIPS] or embolization) or surgical intervention may be performed to achieve hemostasis.