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Rectal bleeding refers to bleeding in the rectum, thus a form of lower gastrointestinal bleeding. There are many causes of rectal hemorrhage, including inflamed hemorrhoids (which are dilated vessels in the perianal fat pads), rectal varices , proctitis (of various causes), stercoral ulcers , and infections .
A lower gastrointestinal bleed is defined as bleeding originating distal to the ileocecal valve, which includes the colon, rectum, and anus. [2] LGIB was previously defined as any bleed that occurs distal to the ligament of Treitz, which included the aforementioned parts of the intestine and also included the last 1/4 of the duodenum and the entire area of the jejunum and ileum. [1]
CT scans are often used in the evaluation of abdominal pain and rectal bleeding, and may suggest the diagnosis of ischemic colitis, pick up complications, or suggest an alternate diagnosis. [26] [27] [28] Endoscopic evaluation, via colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy, is the procedure of choice if the diagnosis remains unclear.
A complete blood count as well as an hemoglobin test should be performed when a patient presents symptoms of hematochezia. A colonoscopy may be necessary if there is suspicion of bleed from colon particularly in the elderly to look for the site and many causes of bleed like carcinoma, ulcerative colitis, rectal varices or other lesions and in certain instances upper gastrointestinal endoscopy ...
Blood in stool looks different depending on how early it enters the digestive tract—and thus how much digestive action it has been exposed to—and how much there is. The term can refer either to melena, with a black appearance, typically originating from upper gastrointestinal bleeding; or to hematochezia, with a red color, typically originating from lower gastrointestinal bleeding. [6]
The most common signs and symptoms are bleeding, which can vary from minor to severe, rectal prolapse and incomplete evacuation (35%-76% of cases). [4] According to one report, constipation is present in about 55% of cases, but diarrhea is present in 20%–40% of cases. [1] Reported symptoms are: Hematochezia (lower gastrointestinal bleeding).
Rectal prolapse may occur without any symptoms, but depending upon the nature of the prolapse there may be mucous discharge (mucus coming from the anus), rectal bleeding, degrees of fecal incontinence, and obstructed defecation symptoms. [5] Rectal prolapse is generally more common in elderly women, although it may occur at any age and in ...
Anal bleeding, anal pain, painful defecation. [5] Visual Exam, Digital Rectal Exam, Anoscopy, Exam under anesthesia if pain is not tolerated. [6] Non-Surgical Therapy: High Fiber Diet (25g/day for women and 38g/day for men), [7] Stool softeners, [6] increased water intake to 64oz or more daily, [7] regular exercise and bowel habits, [7] topical ...