Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the UK: Does a dedicated bleed unit improve outcomes?

摘要

We read with interest the recent Gut paper by Hearnshaw et al. We would like to add to this debate. Our recent audit conducted during a similar time frame obtained comparable data to that of the national audit (table 1) but with one exception-the likelihood of surgery. Surgical intervention was undertaken in 1.9% of cases in the national audit, with the primary indication for surgery being further bleeding in 82% (104/127) of cases. Interestingly, despite comparable rebleeding rates between the two audits (12% vs 13%, p=NS), surgical intervention was far lower in our centre.