Heater probe thermocoagulation and multipolar electrocoagulation for arrest of peptic ulcer bleeding: A prospective, randomized comparative trial

Both heater probe thermocoagulation (HPT) and multipolar electrocoagulation (MPEC) are promising techniques to control peptic ulcer bleeding. However, their hemostatic effects are still not proven conclusively in controlled trials. Here we have tried to do that. Patients with a bleeding ulcer or a nonbleeding visible vessel at the ulcer base received either HPT or MPEC randomly. We compared hemostatic rates, rebleeding rates, hospital stay, volume of blood transfusion, number of operations, and mortality between both groups. A total of 80 patients entered this trial. Patients of both groups had similar ultimate hemostatic rates (HPT 92.5%, MPEC 85%), days in hospital (HPT 5.4, MPEC 5.0), volume of blood transfusion (mean values: HPT 1,774 ml, MPEC 1,974 ml), number of operations (HPT 3, MPEC 3), and mortality (HPT 2, MPEC 3). Both therapeutic approaches are safe and effective for peptic ulcer bleeding.