What is the treatment for GI bleeding that does not stop on its own?

Surgical intervention is often indicated when gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding does not stop on its own, especially in cases where conservative measures are ineffective. This approach is necessary when there is a significant loss of blood, an identifiable source of bleeding that cannot be addressed through endoscopic or medical management, or when patient stabilization cannot be achieved. Surgical options may include procedures to resect the bleeding site, ligation of bleeding vessels, or diversion of the gastrointestinal tract, depending on the underlying cause of the bleeding.

In some scenarios, other treatments like observation or conservative management (such as iron supplementation for anemia following blood loss) may be appropriate in milder cases. However, these strategies are not sufficient for actively bleeding patients, particularly if they are hemodynamically unstable. Additionally, administering antibiotics may be necessary in cases of infection or specific conditions related to GI bleeding but does not directly address the source of bleeding itself. Thus, surgical intervention stands out as the definitive treatment option for acute and uncontrolled GI bleeding.