Definition

An upper GI haemorrhage can be defined as any bleeding which occurs from a source proximal to the “ligament of Treitz” [2]. This is the suspensory ligament of the duodenum that marks the duodenojejunal junction.

Common causes of upper GI bleeding in the UK are shown in the chart above.

Peptic ulcer disease is the most common cause of upper GI bleeding, accounting for just over half of its hospital admissions.[17,18]