Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Management

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common surgical and medical emergency covered in tertiary curricula across Zambian medical schools. This topic includes initial resuscitation, risk stratification (Rockall score), endoscopic diagnosis and therapy (including injection, clipping, banding), and management of variceal versus non-variceal bleeding. Students learn to assess hemodynamic stability, cross-match blood, administer proton pump inhibitors or terlipressin, and recognize indications for surgery or interventional radiology. The material is vital for exams in surgery, gastroenterology, and emergency medicine, and for clinical attachments in relevant wards. With UGIB being a frequent cause of hospital admission in Zambia, this training equips future doctors and clinical officers to improve survival and reduce rebleeding through timely, multidisciplinary intervention.