Hematochezia

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Hematochezia is a medical term that refers to the passage of fresh blood through the anus, usually in or with stools. This is in contrast to melena, which is the passage of old, tarry black, digested blood. Hematochezia is commonly associated with lower gastrointestinal bleeding, but may also occur from a brisk upper gastrointestinal bleed.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The causes of hematochezia are numerous and varied. They include:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of hematochezia is typically made through a combination of patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing. This may include:

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment of hematochezia depends on the underlying cause. This may include:

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Hematochezia Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD