Mallory-Weiss tear

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Mallory-Weiss tear

Stomach and stomach lining

Mucosal lacerations - gastroesophageal junction

The tear usually heals in a few days without treatment. Surgery is rarely needed. Drugs that suppress stomach acid (proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers) may be given, but it is not clear if they are helpful.

If blood loss has been great, blood transfusions may be needed. In most cases, bleeding stops without treatment within a few hours.

Repeated bleeding is uncommon and the outcome is usually good. Cirrhosis of the liver and problems with blood clotting make future bleeding episodes more likely to occur.

Hemorrhage (loss of blood)

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

Review Date: 11/11/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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