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[Active lower gastrointestinal bleeding due to appendiceal ulcer].
R Rivera-Irigoín1, C de Sola-Earle, F Palma-Carazo
1Unidad de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Costa del Sol, Marbella, Málaga, Spain. robinrivera_i@hotmail.com
Gastroenterologia Y Hepatologia
|September 28, 2005
Summary
Severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding from an appendiceal ulcer, linked to enteric-coated aspirin use, was effectively treated. A simple appendicectomy resolved the bleeding, highlighting this surgical approach for such rare cases.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a significant clinical challenge.
- Appendiceal pathologies are uncommon causes of LGIB.
- Enteric-coated aspirin use can be associated with gastrointestinal complications.
Observation:
- A case of severe LGIB was attributed to an appendiceal ulcer.
- The patient's aspirin intake was identified as a potential contributing factor.
- Urgent colonoscopy was crucial for diagnosing the bleeding source during an active episode.
Findings:
- Colonoscopy precisely located the appendiceal ulcer as the source of severe bleeding.
- Surgical intervention via appendicectomy provided effective hemostasis.
- This case demonstrates the efficacy of appendicectomy in managing appendiceal bleeding.
Implications:
- Appendiceal ulcers should be considered in the differential diagnosis of LGIB, especially in patients on aspirin.
- Endoscopic visualization is vital for identifying obscure bleeding sources in the lower GI tract.
- Appendicectomy can be a definitive treatment for severe gastrointestinal bleeding originating from the appendix.