Lower gastrointestinal bleeding | |
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Positive fecal occult blood test | |
Specialty | Gastroenterology |
Symptoms | Bright blood in stool, dark blood in vomit |
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is any form of gastrointestinal bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract. LGIB is a common reason for seeking medical attention at a hospital's emergency department.[1] LGIB accounts for 30–40% of all gastrointestinal bleeding and is less common than upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB).[2] It is estimated that UGIB accounts for 100–200 per 100,000 cases versus 20–27 per 100,000 cases for LGIB.[3] Approximately 85% of lower gastrointestinal bleeding involves the large intestine, 10% are from bleeds that are actually upper gastrointestinal bleeds, and 3–5% involve the small intestine.[4]
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