title: Lower gastrointestinal bleeding: a review.
abstract: Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) continues to be a problem for physicians. Acute LGIB is defined as bleeding that emanates from a source distal to the ligament of Treitz. Although 80% of all LGIB will stop spontaneously, the identification of the bleeding source remains challenging and rebleeding can occur in 25% of cases. Some patients with severe hematochezia require urgent attention to minimize further bleeding and complications. This article reviews the causes, diagnostic methods, and endoscopic treatment of LGIB.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Edelman
authors.forename: Choichi
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sugawa
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D005260:Female; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D007420:Intestine, Large / Q000503:physiopathology; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016019:Survival Analysis