Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Flexible Colonoscopy in Mice to Evaluate the Severity of Colitis and Colorectal Tumors Using a Validated Endoscopic Scoring System
Published on: October 16, 2013
[The Dutch College of General Practitioners guidelines on 'Rectal bleeding': a realistic view of a warning sign]
1Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Julius Centrum voor Gezondheidswetenschappen en Eerstelijns Geneeskunde, Utrecht, The Netherlands. m.e.numans@umcutrecht.nl
Insights
This guideline clarifies primary care management for visible rectal bleeding, emphasizing benign causes like hemorrhoids and fissures. It highlights risk factors for further investigation, such as colonoscopy, but omits fecal occult blood testing details.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Proctology
Context:
- New clinical guideline addresses visible rectal bleeding in primary care.
- Focuses on diagnostics and interventions for benign conditions like hemorrhoids, fissures, and proctitis.
Purpose:
- To provide clear guidance for primary care physicians managing rectal bleeding.
- To encourage enhanced diagnostic and interventional proctological skills among general practitioners.
Summary:
- The guideline offers a clear approach to visible rectal blood loss in primary care.
- It identifies risk factors necessitating colonoscopy and details management for common benign causes.
- Faecal occult blood testing verification is noted as an area for further elaboration.
Impact:
- Aims to improve the management of rectal bleeding in primary care settings.
- Expected to enhance general practitioners' skills in proctology.
- Facilitates appropriate diagnostic pathways and treatment for benign rectal conditions.
Abstract:
The new guideline on rectal bleeding presents a clear view on what can and should be done in primary care in cases of visible rectal blood loss. However, it does not elaborate on approaches that can be taken to verify that 'rectal bleeding' really is caused by blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract, notably by use of a faecal occult blood test. Nevertheless, the guideline presents practical risk factors that require further diagnostic testing by colonoscopy. More importantly however, plenty of attention is given to the diagnostics and possible interventions that apply to benign causes of rectal bleeding: haemorrhoids, fissures and proctitis. This guideline should stimulate further broadening of proctological skills among general practitioners.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Complications
Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...