The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Hematochezia and rectal bleeding are the most prominent findings of acute lower GI bleeding.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Acil Servis department. Book Appointment →

What is Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding refers to bleeding originating from the small and large intestines distal to the ligament of Treitz. The most common causes are colonic diverticula, angiodysplasia, hemorrhoids, ischemic colitis, and colorectal cancer.

Clinically it presents with hematochezia (fresh rectal bleeding), maroon-colored or clotted stools.

Diagnosis relies on colonoscopy, CT angiography, and rarely tagged red blood cell scintigraphy. Treatment may be endoscopic, interventional, or surgical depending on the cause.

Symptoms

Fresh rectal blood
Clotted, maroon-red stools
Abdominal pain or cramping
Weakness and pallor
Tachycardia and hypotension (severe bleeding)
Signs of anemia

Risk Factors

Advanced age (>60)
Diverticular disease
Use of anticoagulants and antiplatelets
History of colorectal cancer
Inflammatory bowel disease
Hemorrhoids and anal fissures

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If rectal bleeding continues, especially if persistent, call 112
  • Emergency presentation is essential with weakness and low blood pressure
  • Any rectal bleeding in the elderly should be taken seriously
  • Oral medications may need to be temporarily discontinued

Treatment Methods

01
Fluid resuscitation and blood products
02
Hemodynamic monitoring
03
Urgent colonoscopy (after bowel preparation)
04
Endoscopic hemostasis (clipping, thermocoagulation, injection)
05
CT angiography and selective embolization
06
Surgery (in uncontrolled bleeding)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Acil Servis department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Acil Servis Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Heart Attack First Aid

Acil Servis

Quick recognition and an emergency call in a heart attack dramatically improve the chance of survival.

Stroke Symptoms and FAST Test

Acil Servis

The FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) test is the most practical method for early detection of stroke.

Anaphylaxis (Anaphylactic Shock)

Acil Servis

Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic reaction; epinephrine injection and 112 are the most critical initial interventions.

Respiratory Failure

Acil Servis

Respiratory failure is a life-threatening state characterized by low blood oxygen or rising carbon dioxide.

Poisoning First Aid

Acil Servis

In poisoning, identifying the correct substance and knowing when not to induce vomiting is critical.

Burn Treatment and First Aid

Acil Servis

Emergency treatment for burns varies by degree and extent, starting with cooling and extending to specialist care.

Head Trauma First Aid

Acil Servis

Regardless of the impact severity in head trauma, emergency neurological evaluation is mandatory if there is any change in consciousness.

Emergency Assessment of Chest Pain

Acil Servis

In a patient with chest pain, ECG and cardiac biomarkers rapidly help to distinguish heart attack and pulmonary embolism from other causes.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.