The management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding

Management of lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding.

Acute bleeding from the colon and rectum is less frequent and less dramatic than haemorrhage from the upper gastrointestinal tract. In most cases, bleeding from the colon and rectum is self-limiting and requires no specific therapy. Diverticula and angiectasias are the most frequent sources of bleeding. Malignancy, colitis (inflammatory bowel disease, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and ...

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

The differential diagnosis of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in children can be reduced markedly simply by taking into account the age of the child. The clinical condition of the patient can further help narrow the diagnostic possibilities. Newborns and infants who are clinically unstable are more likely to have diseases such as necrotizing enterocolitis, volvulus, Hirschprung disease, intussu...

Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Occult or obscure GI bleeding can occur from any site between the nose and the anus. This is typically revealed by iron deficiency anemia or guaiac positive stools. Diagnostic evaluation includes upper and lower GI endoscopy and possibly examination of the small intestine if the source remains unclear. Often no specific etiology is determined and the occult bleeding ceases. When a source is ide...

Evaluation and Management of Gastrointestinal Bleeding Part 2: Lower and Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding

There are 20 cases of lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding per 100 000 adults annually in the United States. The incidence rate rises substantially with age, with a 200-fold increase between the 3rd and 9th decades of life. As with upper GI bleeding, there is spontaneous cessation of bleeding in 80% of cases. The mortality rate of 3% to 5% for lower tract bleeding is substantially lower than th...

Clinical Condition: Radiologic Management of Lower Gastrointestinal Tract Bleeding