Diagnosing Severe Bleeding in Mallory-Weiss Syndrome
In cases where Mallory-Weiss Syndrome leads to severe bleeding, which accounts for approximately 10 percent of cases, prompt diagnosis is crucial. If the bleeding is severe or if there is no previous history of vomiting with blood, doctors may opt for an upper endoscopy procedure to visualize the tear. During an upper endoscopy, a flexible tube called an endoscope is inserted through the person’s mouth and into the esophagus. This allows the doctor to directly examine the affected area and determine the presence of a tear. In some cases, the tear can even be repaired during the procedure.
Alternative Methods of Diagnosing Severe Bleeding in Mallory-Weiss Syndrome
When faced with a situation involving rapid or highly severe bleeding, medical professionals may opt for an alternative diagnostic method known as angiography. This procedure involves the use of a catheter filled with a specialized dye that is easily detectable on an x-ray. By injecting the dye into the suspected artery responsible for the blood loss, doctors can accurately identify the site of rupture and subsequently formulate an appropriate treatment plan to rectify the damage.