Lower gastrointestinal bleeding resident survival guide

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Twinkle Singh, M.B.B.S. [2]

Definition

Lower GI bleed refers to any bleeding originating from gastrointestinal tract distal to ligament of Treitz.

• Acute GI bleed: Defined as bleeding occurring for less than 3 days.
• Chronic GI bleed: Defined as slow and intermittent bleeding occurring over a duration of several days.

Causes

Life Threatening Causes

Life-threatening causes include conditions which may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated. Any severe GI bleed can be life threatening and should be managed appropriately irrespective of the cause.

Common Causes

• Diverticulosis
• Colitis
• Angiodysplasia
• Colon cancer
• Radiation enteritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Anorectal disorders

Management

Shown below is an algorithm summarizing the approach to [[Lower GI bleed]].

Characterize the symptoms ❑ Frank blood per rectum (bleeding from left colon) ❑ Dark or maroon colored stools (bleeding from right colon) ❑ Abdominal pain ❑ Fatigue ❑ Diarrhea ❑ Constipation ❑ Fever ❑ Tenesmus ❑ Palpitations ❑ Lightheadedness Obtain past medical history: ❑ Previous GI bleed ❑ Use of NSAIDs, aspirin or anticoagulants ❑ History of radiation ❑ History of liver disease ❑ History of IBD ❑ Recent polypectomy ❑ Family history of colorectal cancer

Examine the patient ❑ Assess hemodynamic status ❑ Digital rectal examination ❑ Stool examination for occult blood

Hematochezia PLUS hemodynamic instability

Nasogastric lavage (to rule out UGIB)

Order tests ❑ Blood type and cross match ❑ CBC ❑ Coagulation profile ❑ Liver function tests ❑ Electrolytes ❑ BUN ❑ Creatinine ❑ EKG for elderly patients

Initiate initial supportive measures ❑ Intravenous access ❑ Fluid resuscitation ❑ Supplemental oxygen ❑ Cardiac monitoring

Risk stratification of patients

❑ Young patient ❑ Scant bleeding ❑ No anemia ❑ Suspected bleeding from anorectal region

❑ Severe active bleeding ❑ Unstable hemodynamically ❑ Need for > 2 units of blood transfusion ❑ Presence of other significant comorbidities

❑ Bleeding stopped ❑ Patient is hemodynamically stable

Outpatient treatment

Admit to ICU

Admit to hospital ward

Endoscopic management

Assess the severity of bleeding

Unstable patient

Stable patient

Massive bleeding

Moderate to severe bleeding

Intermittent scant bleeding

Assess if endoscopy can be done according to hemodynamic status

❑ Age > 50 years ❑ Anemic patient

❑ Age ≥ 40 years ❑ Healthy stable patient ❑ Anorectal source of bleeding highly suspected

No (highly unstable patient)

Yes

❑Colonoscopy

❑ Digital rectal examination ❑ Sigmoidoscopy

❑ Emergent angiography with angiotherapy ❑ Request a surgical consult

EGD to rule out upper GI bleed

❑ Anorectal source of bleeding not confirmed?

❑ Anorectal source of bleeding confirmed?

Bleeding not controlled?

Lesion identified?

No

Colonoscopy

Treat accordingly

Surgery

Yes

Colonoscopy

Treat as upper GI bleed

Colonoscopic therapy

Lesion identified?

Lesion not identified?

❑ Consider EGD ❑ Small bowel studies

References

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