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Review
. 2017 Jul;8(3):174-182.
doi: 10.1136/flgastro-2015-100606. Epub 2015 Jun 29.

An approach to acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding

John Frost  1 , Faye Sheldon  1 , Arun Kurup  1 , Benjamin R Disney  1 , Sherif Latif  2 , Sauid Ishaq  1
Affiliations
Review

An approach to acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding

John Frost et al. Frontline Gastroenterol. 2017 Jul.

Abstract

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a common problem that can be treated via a number of endoscopic, radiological and surgical approaches. Although traditionally managed by the colorectal surgeons, surgery should be considered a last resort given the variety of endoscopic and radiological approaches available. This article provides an overview on the common causes of acute LGIB and the various techniques at our disposal to control it.

Keywords: ANGIODYSPLASIA; GASTROINTESINAL ENDOSCOPY; GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING; IMAGING; POLYP.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
2010 Gastroenterology Curriculum: rectal bleeding and perianal conditions.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The endoscopic appearance of angiodysplasia with characteristic radiating capillaries.
Figure 3
Figure 3
The endoscopic appearance of radiation proctitis.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Suggested algorithm for the investigation and management of acute lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. UGIB, upper GI bleeding.
Figure 5
Figure 5
A postpolypectomy bleed controlled with the application of haemoclips.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Active extravasation of contrast into the sigmoid colon from one of the branches of the inferior mesenteric artery.
Figure 7
Figure 7
The super-selective catheterisation of a sigmoid branch of the inferior mesenteric artery, with the microcatheter demonstrating a bleeding vessel.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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