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Mallory-Weiss tear

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Mucosal lacerations - gastroesophageal junction

Treatment:

The tear usually heals in about 10 days without special treatment. Surgery is rarely required. Prescription antacids (proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers) may be given.

If blood loss has been great, blood transfusions may be necessary. Excessive bleeding may need to be treated by using an endoscope (see EGD ). In most cases, bleeding stops without specific treatment within a few hours.

Expectations (prognosis):

Repeated bleeding is uncommon, and the outcome is expected to be good.

Complications:

Hemorrhage (loss of blood)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you begin vomiting blood or if you pass bloody stools.

• Review Date: 10/13/2006
• Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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