Background: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of angioembolization to control lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing angiography for lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage from January 2000 to December 2002.
Results: Seventy-seven patients with lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage underwent mesenteric angiography. Angioembolization was performed in 11 patients. Sixty-six patients were not embolized; 47 of these were treated medically and 19 surgically. Mortality rate was not significantly different in patients treated surgically (3 of 19, 16%) versus those managed medically (6 of 47, 13%; P = 0.746). Of the 11 patients who were embolized, 10 had immediate cessation of hemorrhage, 7 had gastrointestinal ischemia, and 6 died (55%). Overall mortality in non-embolized patients was 9 of 66 (14%; P = 0.002 versus mortality in embolized patients).
Conclusions: Angioembolization, though effective at controlling hemorrhage, is associated with ischemic complications and a high mortality rate. Our data support surgical or medical management for lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage.