Gastrointestinal bleeding resident survival guide

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Twinkle Singh, M.B.B.S. [2]

Definition

Gastrointestinal bleeding refers to any bleeding that occurs in gastrointestinal tract from the pharynx to the rectum.

Causes

Life Threatening Causes

Life-threatening causes include conditions which may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated.

• Esophageal varices
• Gastric ulcer
• Gastric varices
• Aorto-enteric fistula
• Hemosuccus pancreaticus
• Superior mesenteric artery syndrome

Common Causes

• Upper gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Duodenal ulcer
  • Esophageal ulcer
  • Esophageal varices
  • Gastric ulcer
  • Gastritis
  • Mallory-Weiss tear
• Lower gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Angiodysplasia
  • Anal fissure
  • Colonic polyps
  • Diverticulitis
  • Diverticulosis
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Infectious colitis
  • Infectious diarrhea
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Ischemic colitis

Management

Shown below is an algorithm summarizing the approach to [[Initial work up of GI bleed]].

GI bleed

Assess airway, intubate if required Assess circulation, 2IV bore lines 500ml NS nil per oral start PPI infusion (80mg bolus followed by 8mg/h infusion)

Send CBC, PT/PTT blood type and cross match

UGIB management see below

LGIB management see bwlow

Shown below is an algorithm summarizing the approach to [[Upper GI bleed]]

Initial work up, see above

UGIB

Early EGD

Lesion not localised

Lesion localised

Consider mid/ lower GI bleed

Peptic ulcer disease

Varices

Esophagitis/Gastritis

Mallory-Weiss tear

Active bleeding/ Non bleeding visible vessel

Adherent clot

Flat spot/ clean base

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Endoscopic therapy + IV PPI therapy

+/- Endoscopic therapy + IV PPI therapy

No endoscopic therapy, no IV PPI therapy

Ligation/ sclerotherapy

PPI therapy

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Shown below is an algorithm summarizing the approach to [[Lower GI bleed]]

History of frank blood per rectum, blood mixed with stool

Consider LGIB

Initial work up, see above

Rule out anorectal outlet bleed

Rule out UGIB

Persistent active bleed

Intermittent bleed

Unstable patient (colonoscopy not possible)

Stable patient

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References

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