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.
Common Causes
- Diverticulosis
- Colitis
- Angiodysplasia
- Colon cancer
- Radiation enteritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Anorectal disorders
Management
Shown below is an algorithm summarizing the approach to [[disease name]].