ABSTRACT
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding is common and can result from several colonic causes
including diverticulosis, arteriovenous malformations, ischemia, inflammatory bowel
disease, infectious colitis, neoplasm, postpolypectomy, and anastomotic and radiation
proctitis. Following resuscitation and evaluation, colonoscopy can be used for diagnosis
and treatment. Most physicians prescribe a bowel preparation for their patients. Therapeutic
options include injection, coagulation (monopolar or bipolar cautery, argon plasma
coagulator), and mechanical (clips, bands, detachable loops) devices.
KEYWORDS
Gastrointestinal bleeding - hemorrhage - colonoscopy - endoscopy
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Charles B WhitlowM.D.
Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery
Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA 70121
Email: cwhitlow@ochsner.org
