Recovery Time for Gastric Ulcer Bleeding

The duration of treatment for gastric ulcer bleeding varies depending on several factors, including the size and depth of the ulcer, as well as whether major blood vessels are involved. In most cases, ulcer-related bleeding can be effectively controlled within 5 to 7 days. Once stool tests show no signs of bleeding, patients may be discharged with oral medications to continue their recovery. If there is no further active bleeding, the typical treatment course usually lasts around 6 to 8 weeks.

Certain types of ulcers require special attention. For example, larger ulcers may carry a higher risk of malignancy. The greater the size of the ulcer, the longer it generally takes to heal, which means the treatment period may need to be extended accordingly. In such cases, doctors often recommend follow-up endoscopies to monitor healing progress and adjust the treatment plan. If biopsy results indicate cellular atypia or raise concerns about cancerous changes, regular monitoring through endoscopic exams during treatment becomes essential. Only after the ulcer has fully healed can medication be safely discontinued.

In summary, the average healing time for most gastric ulcers is approximately 8 weeks. However, for more complex or atypical cases, the treatment duration should be prolonged. Patient compliance with medical advice and dietary recommendations significantly impacts recovery speed. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption can delay healing. Additionally, individuals—especially older adults—who take antiplatelet drugs like aspirin, clopidogrel, or anticoagulants for other health conditions may experience slower ulcer recovery. These factors must be considered when estimating the total treatment time.