Glue Injection
Glue injection is an endoscopic treatment technique in which a tissue adhesive is injected into a selected gastrointestinal bleeding site to help control bleeding and achieve hemostasis.
The procedure is performed through an endoscope after the source and nature of bleeding have been identified. In selected cases, glue injection may be used alone or together with other endoscopic methods depending on the clinical situation.
Dr. Suresh H. Pasiddhi has documented expertise in glue injection as part of his therapeutic endoscopic practice.
Conditions
Glue injection may be considered for selected gastrointestinal bleeding conditions where endoscopic injection therapy is appropriate, including:
- Selected gastrointestinal bleeding lesions
- Bleeding from suitable vascular lesions
- Selected variceal bleeding conditions
- Bleeding requiring endoscopic injection therapy
- Selected cases where conventional endoscopic hemostasis may be difficult
Symptoms
Gastrointestinal bleeding can present with different symptoms. Warning signs that require medical evaluation may include:
- Vomiting blood or blood-stained material
- Black, tarry stools
- Fresh blood in the stool
- Unexplained weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Pale skin or symptoms associated with anemia
- Fainting or severe weakness with significant blood loss
Vomiting blood, black stools or significant fresh blood loss can indicate serious gastrointestinal bleeding and requires urgent medical assessment.
Causes
Gastrointestinal bleeding can have several underlying causes. The source of bleeding is evaluated during endoscopy to determine the most appropriate treatment.
- Bleeding ulcers or mucosal lesions
- Selected vascular lesions
- Esophageal or gastric varices
- Bleeding after selected endoscopic procedures
- Other identifiable gastrointestinal bleeding sources
Treatment
During the procedure, the bleeding area is identified using an endoscope and a suitable tissue adhesive is carefully injected into the target area to help control bleeding.
Depending on the clinical situation, management may include:
- Endoscopic identification of the bleeding source
- Targeted glue injection at the appropriate site
- Combination with other endoscopic hemostatic techniques when required
- Supportive treatment and medicines based on the underlying cause
- Repeat endoscopic treatment when clinically indicated
- Additional specialist intervention when endoscopic treatment is not sufficient
The choice of treatment depends on the cause, location and severity of bleeding and the patient's overall clinical condition.
Prevention & Follow-Up
Preventing recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding depends largely on identifying and treating the underlying cause and following the recommended medical and endoscopic follow-up plan.
Helpful measures include:
- Follow your gastroenterologist's recommended treatment and follow-up schedule.
- Take prescribed medicines regularly and only as directed.
- Discuss regular or prolonged NSAID use with your doctor, particularly if you have a history of ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Follow medical advice for managing chronic liver or gastrointestinal conditions.
- Do not ignore recurrent black stools, vomiting blood or blood in the stool.
- Attend recommended follow-up after endoscopic treatment.
Follow-up requirements vary according to the underlying condition, severity of bleeding and response to treatment.