[Five cases of acute hemorrhagic rectal ulcer in aged patients]

Abstract

We report our experience with five cases of acute hemorrhagic rectal ulcer in aged patients. The patients included two men and three women whose ages ranged from 73 to 86 with a mean of 79.6. All cases had underlying disorders, including cerebral vascular disease, fracture of the fibula, senile dementia, chronic rheumatoid arthritis, or were recuperating from a cardiovascular operation. All cases were in bed rest and complained of sudden anal bleeding without pain. Endoscopic examination showed rectal ulcer localized in the lower rectum close to the dentate line. Four cases were treated by HSE injection and ligation by clipping devices with endoscopy and one case was surgically ligated by a transanal approach. All cases had good outcomes. Emergency colonoscopic examination is considered essential for the diagnosis and treatment of acute hemorrhagic rectal ulcers, especially in aged patients with severe underlying disorders.