Hemosprays and Gels
Hemospray
A minimally invasive endoscopic therapy that uses a powdered hemostatic agent sprayed directly onto bleeding sites in the GI tract.
Mechanism:
The powder forms a mechanical barrier over the bleeding site
Promotes clot formation and temporarily protects tissue
Common Uses / Indications:
Acute gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcers, tumors, or varices
Difficult-to-control bleeding where other endoscopic methods fail
Advantages:
Rapid application
Works on diffuse or inaccessible bleeding sites
Minimally invasive
Hemostatic Gels
Gel-based agents applied endoscopically to actively bleeding or high-risk GI lesions.
Mechanism:
Adheres to tissue, creating a barrier
Supports clot formation and tissue healing
Common Uses / Indications:
Non-variceal GI bleeding (ulcers, erosions)
As an adjunct to endoscopic therapy (clips, thermal coagulation)
Advantages:
Can cover large or irregular surfaces
Reduces need for repeated interventions
Treatment
- Control GI bleeding
- ESD → larger or early invasive mucosal lesions
- EFTR → deeper or complex lesions requiring full-thickness removal