Gastrointestinal emergencies in the critically ill cancer patient

Gastrointestinal (GI) problems are a common occurrence in the critically ill cancer patient. These GI complications are often not related to the underlying cancer, but mimic the GI problems seen in noncancer patients. Common GI disorders such as peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, diverticulitis, and alcohol-related liver disease are often the underlying issue. This review summarizes the most common GI emergencies, which may arise in a patient with a current or past history of cancer.