Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Diverticular Disease of the Colon

Diverticular Disease of the Colon

Diverticular disease involves the formation of diverticula—small sac-like outpouchings of the colonic wall—and their complications. It most commonly affects the sigmoid colon due to higher intraluminal pressure and structural vulnerability. It results from structural weakness and increased pressure in the colon, producing pseudodiverticula that may remain silent or progress to inflammation and serious complications.Structure of DiverticulaIn diverticulosis, these outpouchings are...

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction

Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction

Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of chronic disorders marked by recurrent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract due to an abnormal immune response against gut microflora. This leads to tissue damage. The two main forms are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.Crohn’s DiseaseCrohn’s disease is a relapsing inflammatory disorder that can affect any part of the GI tract, from the mouth to the anus. It involves all layers of the bowel wall (transmural) and shows “skip lesions” in which...

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by continuous mucosal inflammation that typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a uniform pattern. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, immune dysregulation, and environmental influences. These factors converge to impair the colon’s epithelial defenses and promote an exaggerated inflammatory response against luminal contents.Breakdown of the Mucosal BarrierA...

Appendicitis

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses two major chronic disorders—ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease—each characterized by relapsing episodes of gastrointestinal inflammation. Although they share certain clinical features, their patterns of involvement and manifestations differ in ways that aid diagnosis and guide management.Ulcerative ColitisUlcerative colitis is limited to the colon and rectum and involves continuous inflammation of the mucosal layer. The disease course is marked...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Biography of Norton J. Greenberger, MD.

Journal of clinical gastroenterology·2016

Same author

Biography of Theodore M. Bayless, MD.

Journal of clinical gastroenterology·2014

Same author

Biography of Marvin E. Ament, MD.

Journal of clinical gastroenterology·2014

Same author

Biography of Simmy Bank, MD.

Journal of clinical gastroenterology·2013

Same author

Biography of David Fleischer, MD.

Journal of clinical gastroenterology·2011

Same author

Charles J. Lightdale, MD.

Journal of clinical gastroenterology·2010

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Murine Distal Colostomy, A Novel Model of Diversion Colitis in C57BL/6 Mice

Murine Distal Colostomy, A Novel Model of Diversion Colitis in C57BL/6 Mice

Published on: July 12, 2018

Bleeding colonic diverticula.

¹Memphis Gastroenterology Group, Germantown, TN 38138, USA. mlewis@memphisgastro.com

Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology

|October 22, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding often stems from ruptured blood vessels within colonic diverticula. While typically self-resolving, understanding this common cause is crucial for elderly patients.

More Related Videos

Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System

Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System

Published on: October 16, 2013

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Murine Distal Colostomy, A Novel Model of Diversion Colitis in C57BL/6 Mice

Murine Distal Colostomy, A Novel Model of Diversion Colitis in C57BL/6 Mice

Published on: July 12, 2018

Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System

Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System

Published on: October 16, 2013

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Colorectal Surgery
Vascular Medicine

Background:

Diverticula of the large intestine are a frequent cause of lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
This bleeding, ranging from occult to massive, often originates from the right colon, despite most diverticula being in the left colon.
Rupture of the vasa recta, eccentrically located toward the diverticular lumen, is the primary cause.

Purpose of the Study:

To summarize the etiology, presentation, and management of lower GI bleeding secondary to colonic diverticulosis.
To highlight the prevalence and common sources of diverticular hemorrhage.
To discuss associated risk factors and treatment considerations.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on diverticular disease and lower GI bleeding.
Analysis of the pathophysiology of bleeding from diverticula.
Synthesis of information on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

Lower GI bleeding occurs in 10-30% of GI bleeds, predominantly in the elderly, with diverticular disease being a major contributor.
Right-sided colonic hemorrhage is common, despite the majority of diverticula residing in the left colon.
Spontaneous cessation of bleeding occurs in approximately 90% of cases; inflammation is usually absent.

Conclusions:

Diverticula are a significant cause of lower GI bleeding, particularly in older adults.
While often self-limiting, factors like hypertension, anticoagulation, diabetes, and ischemic heart disease may be associated.
Conservative management is preferred due to high recurrence rates with invasive interventions like angiography and surgery.