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Gastrointestinal bleeding

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Haematemesis, melaena or massive rectal bleeding are dramatic signs of gastrointestinal haemorrhage. It is important in such a case to assess the amount of blood loss and to determine the likely site of bleeding.

  • haematemesis indicates bleeding proximal to or including the duodenum
  • melaena usually results from upper gastrointestinal bleeding, although right-sided colonic and small bowel lesions can occasionally be responsible
  • massive rectal bleeding is usually from the distal colon, rectum or from a major bleeding site higher in the gastrointestinal tract

It is necessary to:

  • assess and replace blood loss
  • diagnose the source of blood loss
  • treat and control of source of bleeding

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