Monopolar coagulation versus conventional endoscopic treatment for high-risk peptic ulcer bleeding: a prospective, randomized study.

Background: Severe upper GI hemorrhage from an actively bleeding peptic ulcer is sometimes difficult to treat by conventional endoscopic means, such as multipolar electrocoagulation, heat probe coagulation, and injection therapy. It was hypothesized that monopolar coagulation with a "hot biopsy" forceps may be more effective in such cases.

Methods: A prospective, randomized trial was performed to assess the safety and short-term efficacy of monopolar coagulation versus conventional treatment (combination heat probe coagulation and injection therapy) in the treatment of patients with various types of actively bleeding or high-risk ulcers.