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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery
Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 4/2011

01-08-2011 | Review Article

Surgical management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding

Author: J. Pfeifer

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 4/2011

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Abstract

Purpose

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is any form of bleeding distal to the Ligament of Treitz. In most cases, acute LGIB is self-limited and resolves spontaneously with conservative management.

Methods

Only a minority of approximately 10% is admitted to hospital with signs of massive bleeding and shock requiring resuscitation, urgent evaluation and treatment.

Results

Over the past decade, there has been a progressive decrease in upper GI events and a significant increase in lower GI events. Overall, mortality has also decreased, but in-hospital fatality due to upper or lower GI complications have remained constant. The problem is that LGIB can arise from a number of sources and may be a significant cause of hospitalisation and mortality in elderly patients.

Conclusions

After initial resuscitation, the diagnosis and treatment of LGIB remains a challenge for acute care surgeons, whereby the identification of the source of bleeding is of utmost importance.
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Metadata
Title
Surgical management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding
Author
J. Pfeifer
Publication date
01-08-2011
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 4/2011
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-011-0122-5

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