Hemospray hemostasis in bleeding diffusely ulcerated esophagus

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bleeding from diffuse esophageal ulcerations can be difficult to treat. Hemospray is a hemostatic powder, and its mechanism of hemostasis is thought to be through concentrating clotting factors and forming mechanical plugs on bleeding vessels. METHODS: The authors present 3 consecutive cases of diffusely ulcerated esophagus with clinically significant bleeding. The first 2 cases failed conventional hemostatic treatment including clipping and injection therapy. In the third case, Hemospray was used as the first-line monotherapy. RESULTS: Immediate hemostasis was achieved in all 3 patients, and they did not develop recurrent bleeding for more than 2 months. CONCLUSIONS: The authors propose that Hemospray application should be considered as the first-line therapy in diffuse esophageal ulcerations with clinically significant bleeding, potentially reducing the need to repeat endoscopy. Once the Hemospray achieves hemostasis, it provides a cyto-protective barrier on the diffusely ulcerated mucosa against ongoing acid reflux, allowing the new tissue to grow more efficiently during the ulcer healing period.