GI Bleeding Surgery in Mohali, Chandigarh, and Amritsar
GI (Gastrointestinal) bleeding is a critical medical condition requiring prompt and precise intervention, particularly in cases of severe bleeding. Dr. Amandeep Sandhu, a highly skilled surgeon in Mohali, Chandigarh, and Amritsar, provides expert care for patients suffering from GI bleeding. GI bleeding surgery often becomes necessary when endoscopic treatments are not sufficient to control the bleeding. Dr. Amandeep’s expertise in GI bleeding management can be life-saving for patients experiencing massive blood loss.
Understanding GI Bleeding and Its Causes
GI bleeding refers to bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract, which can manifest as haematemesis (vomiting blood) or melena (black stools). The causes of GI bleeding are varied, and while many cases resolve on their own, others require urgent medical or surgical intervention. The two primary conditions leading to GI bleeding include cirrhosis of the liver and peptic ulcer disease.
- Cirrhosis of the Liver: Cirrhosis is commonly seen in individuals with a history of chronic alcohol use or infections like hepatitis B and C. This condition causes hardening of the liver, leading to increased pressure in the portal vein (portal hypertension) and resulting in swollen veins, or esophageal varices, in the esophagus. These varices are prone to rupture, leading to significant blood loss. When conservative treatments are insufficient, endoscopic variceal ligation is often performed. This procedure effectively closes off the varices to prevent further bleeding.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: Peptic ulcers, especially in the stomach and duodenum, can sometimes erode blood vessels, leading to sudden and massive bleeding. For patients with duodenal ulcers who are actively bleeding, Dr. Amandeep performs under-running of the bleeding vessel or partial gastrectomy when necessary.
Treatment Options for GI Bleeding
1. Endoscopic Treatment
In approximately 90% of GI bleeding cases, bleeding stops spontaneously, and only 10% of patients require endoscopic or surgical intervention. Dr. Amandeep offers endoscopic treatments as the first line of defense, especially in cases where esophageal varices or ulcers are the cause. This non-invasive procedure involves using an endoscope to locate and close off the bleeding vessels, helping patients avoid more invasive surgery when possible.
2. Surgical Intervention for GI Bleeding
When endoscopic treatment fails or if the bleeding is recurrent, surgery becomes necessary. Surgical treatment is particularly recommended for patients who experience intermittent haematemesis (vomiting of blood) or melena for a more permanent solution. Dr. Amandeep offers different surgical options depending on the underlying cause and severity of the bleeding:
- Splenorenal Shunt: This procedure is often performed on patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, a condition in which the portal vein is blocked but the liver function is preserved. By creating a connection between the splenic and renal veins, this shunt diverts blood flow away from the portal system, reducing pressure and preventing further bleeding.
- Splenectomy with Devascularisation: For cirrhotic patients who have recurrent bleeding, a splenectomy (removal of the spleen) combined with devascularization (cutting off blood supply to specific areas) helps reduce bleeding risks and stabilizes the patient’s condition. This procedure is effective in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension, as it minimizes the risk of variceal bleeding.
- Partial Gastrectomy: In cases of severe duodenal ulcers with uncontrolled bleeding, a partial gastrectomy, which involves removing a portion of the stomach, may be performed. This operation removes the ulcerated area, significantly reducing the risk of further bleeding.
3. Emergency Surgery for Massive GI Bleeding
For patients presenting with severe, life-threatening bleeding, emergency surgery is required without delay. Massive haematemesis from conditions like variceal rupture or a bleeding duodenal ulcer is a surgical emergency. Dr. Amandeep’s experience in GI bleeding surgery ensures timely intervention, which is crucial in these scenarios for preventing further blood loss and saving lives.
Special Considerations in GI Bleeding Surgery
- Patient Condition: Patients with poor liver function (such as those with advanced cirrhosis) may not be suitable candidates for surgery, as the risks often outweigh the benefits. Dr. Amandeep carefully evaluates each patient’s liver health, using conservative methods when necessary, such as medication or endoscopic interventions, to manage the bleeding.
- Portal Vein Thrombosis: In some non-cirrhotic patients, GI bleeding is associated with portal vein thrombosis, a condition where the portal vein becomes blocked by a clot. For these patients, with proper liver function, surgical intervention often yields good results, leading to effective and lasting control of the bleeding.
Why Choose Dr. Amandeep for GI Bleeding Surgery in Mohali, Chandigarh, and Amritsar?
Dr. Amandeep Sandhu has extensive experience managing GI bleeding cases with a combination of endoscopic and surgical expertise. His approach is tailored to each patient, considering the underlying cause, liver health, and overall medical condition. Dr. Amandeep prioritizes patient safety and aims to offer treatments that reduce recurrence and improve quality of life.
By choosing Dr. Amandeep for GI bleeding surgery, patients in Mohali, Chandigarh, and Amritsar benefit from:
- Advanced Surgical Techniques: Dr. Amandeep is skilled in performing splenorenal shunts, splenectomies, and partial gastrectomies, offering tailored solutions for complex GI bleeding cases.
- Emergency Response: GI bleeding can be a medical emergency, and Dr. Amandeep provides prompt surgical intervention when needed, ensuring timely care to save lives.
- Patient-Centric Care: Dr. Amandeep’s compassionate approach puts patients at ease, with clear communication and a focus on the most effective, minimally invasive solutions whenever possible.