GI bleeding
| Normal anatomy |
|
The gastrointestinal tract starts at the mouth, which leads to
the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and finally, the
rectum and anus. The GI tract is a long, hollow, muscular tube
through which food passes and nutrients are absorbed.
|
| Indication |
|
Bleeding from the GI tract is a common medical problem. Patients
usually notice either black tarry stools or dark red blood or
bright red blood in their stool.
Ulcers of the stomach and duodenum are common causes of bleeding
from the upper GI tract. Bleeding can also occur in the lower GI
tract (colon). Diverticular bleeding is a common cause of lower GI
bleeding.
|
| Procedure, part 1 |
|
The first step in the treatment of GI bleeding is to locate the
source of the bleeding. Patients who have lost significant amounts
of blood are transfused with blood.
Often an endoscopy is the first step used to locate the source
of the bleeding. During an endoscopy, the patient is usually
sedated but awake.
|
| Procedure, part 2 |
|
In many cases, GI bleeding will stop on its own, or with medical
treatment. In other cases, treatment can be provided with the
endoscope, most often in the form of cautery (electrocoagulation)
of the site of bleeding.
|
| Procedure, part 3 |
|
If the bleeding cannot be stopped using the endoscope, surgery
may be required. The bleeding segment of intestine or stomach is
removed. However, most cases of GI bleeding are managed
successfully with endoscopy and medication.
|
Review Date: 1/28/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine,
Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of
Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD,
Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care
Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD,
MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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