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Contents
  • Endoscopic Interventions
  • Angiographic Therapies
  • Surgical Solutions
  • Managing Recurrence

Treating Acute Lower GI Bleeding: What Are Your Options?

Treating Acute Lower GI Bleeding: What Are Your Options?

The Treatment Highway

Managing acute lower GI bleeding effectively requires understanding the various treatment options available. Let's explore these life-saving strategies.
Contents
  • Endoscopic Interventions
  • Angiographic Therapies
  • Surgical Solutions
  • Managing Recurrence

Endoscopic Interventions

Endoscopic treatments are often the first line of defense in treating acute lower GI bleeding. During a colonoscopy, doctors can use techniques like coagulation or clipping to stop the bleeding. This approach is effective for conditions such as diverticula, angiodysplasia, and post-polypectomy bleeding.

Angiographic Therapies

For severe or ongoing bleeding, angiographic therapies may be employed. These involve using imaging to guide the delivery of treatments directly to the bleeding site, like embolization, which helps control hemorrhage by blocking blood vessels.
Procedures and therapies used to manage acute lower GI bleeding, including endoscopic interventions and angiographic therapies.

Surgical Solutions

In rare cases where endoscopic and angiographic methods fail, surgery might be necessary. This could involve removing a part of the colon to stop the bleeding. While more invasive, it's a crucial option for life-threatening situations.

Managing Recurrence

Even after successful treatment, some patients experience recurrent lower GI bleeding. Repeat colonoscopies and adjusting medications like anticoagulants can help manage and prevent future episodes.

FAQs

What is the first treatment option?

Endoscopic interventions are typically the first line of treatment.

What are angiographic therapies?

They use imaging to guide treatments directly to the bleeding site.

When is surgery needed?

Surgery is needed when other treatments fail to control severe bleeding.

Can bleeding recur after treatment?

Yes, recurrence is possible, requiring further management.

How are recurrent episodes managed?

Through repeat colonoscopies and medication adjustments.

The Bottom Line

Various treatments exist for acute lower GI bleeding, each playing a vital role in managing this condition.
Get started on understanding your treatment options with Doctronic today.
Additional References
  1. Strate LL, Gralnek IM. ACG Clinical Guideline: Management of Patients With Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding. Am J Gastroenterol 2016; 111:459.
  2. Kim PH, Tsauo J, Shin JH, Yun SC. Transcatheter Arterial Embolization of Gastrointestinal Bleeding. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2017; 28:522.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.