Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding is bleeding from small bowel/colon/rectum (diverticulosis/angiodysplasia/hemorrhoids/IBD/ischemic colitis/polyps/tumor/anorectal fissure), presenting with hematochezia/maroon stool and anemia. Treatment: resuscitation (IV fluids/blood transfusion); NPO; bowel prep; colonoscopy for localization/hemostasis (clips/cautery/epinephrine); mesenteric angiography with embolization if brisk; surgery if massive/recurrent/failed endoscopic control; consider upper-GI source if brisk; treat cause (IBD meds/tumor resection/hemorrhoid banding); monitor Hgb/vitals; follow-up.

Common Symptoms

Hematochezia; maroon stool; anemia; by diverticular/angiodysplasia/IBD/hemorrhoids

Causes and Pathogenesis

Lower-GI mucosal/vascular bleeding causes hematochezia.

Treatment

Resuscitation; colonoscopy/angiography; surgery if massive

Preventive Measures

Treat diverticulosis/IBD; colonoscopy screening; treat hemorrhoids.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Gastroenterology/Emergency/Gastrointestinal-surgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.