1
Q
Define melena
A
Black tarry stools
Usually occurs as a result of upper GI bleeding
2
Q
Common causes of melena
A
Peptic ulcer disease
Liver disease
Gastric cancer
3
Q
Melena investigations
A
FBC, U&Es, LFTs, clotting + G&S
ABG
OGD - Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy
4
Q
Treatment of melena due to peptic ulcer disease
A
Adrenaline injections and cauterisation of bleeding
High dose IV PPI therapy - 40mg omeprazole
5
Q
Treatment of melena due to oesophageal varicies
A
Endoscopic banding
Prophylactic antibiotic therapy with somatostatin analogues
6
Q
Treatment of melena due to upper GI malignancy
A
Biopsy
Definitive long-term surgical and oncological management
