Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a symptom of many digestive system disorders, including reflux, ulcers and cancer. It can occur in any part of the digestive system (GI tract), which runs from the mouth to the anus. Bleeding can be mild and ongoing or come on suddenly and be life-threatening.
Sophisticated imaging technology, when needed, can usually locate the cause of the bleeding. Treatment depends on the source of the bleeding.
In many cases, healthcare providers deliver GI bleed treatments during an endoscopy or colonoscopy. Tiny instruments at the tip of the endoscope or colonoscope make it possible to:
For severe bleeds, emergency surgery may be necessary. Care may include laparoscopy. Surgeons make tiny incisions through which they pass a tiny camera and surgical instruments. This technique enables them to quickly access the source of the bleed and deliver treatment.
