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Haemorrhage (diverticular)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Haemorrhage as a result of a diverticulum can be life-threatening. The differential diagnosis of intra-abdominal bleeding is:

  • severe haemorrhoidal bleeding into the colon
  • angiodysplasia on the right side of the colon
  • polyps and cancer

Investigation is undertaken with:

  • colonoscopy: done peroperatively after an on-table colonic washout
  • angiography: may show a vascular abnormality or pooling of contrast in the intestine
  • bleeding scans: achieved by scanning after prior adminstration of radio-labelled red cells

The indication for surgical intervention is unclear, but the loss of four or more units has been suggested as a threshold. If the bleeding site is not known, the choice of operation is total colectomy with an ileorectal anastomosis or ileostomy. If the bleeding point has been visualised, a segmental resection should be undertaken.


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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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