gastrointestinal haemorrhage

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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

Last reviewed 01/2018

Links:

bleeding by anatomical zone
causes of gastrointestinal haemorrhage
assessment and replacement of blood loss
treatment

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gastrointestinal haemorrhage