Identification and control of bleeding within the gastrointestinal tract via endoscopic, medical, or surgical means.
Upper GI bleeding causes
• Peptic ulcers
• Esophageal or gastric varices
• Mallory-Weiss tears
• Gastritis, erosions
Lower GI bleeding causes
• Hemorrhoids, anal fissures
• Diverticular bleeding
• Angiodysplasia
• Colonic polyps or cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease
Evaluation & treatment
• Stabilize: IV fluids, blood transfusion if needed
• Endoscopy (EGD) or colonoscopy for localization and therapy (injection, clips, bands, thermal coagulation)
• Radiologic embolization or surgery for refractory cases
Follow-up
• Repeat endoscopy if rebleeding
• Investigate and treat underlying cause to prevent recurrence
