Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 22, 2025

Laparoscopic Left Hemihepatectomy Combined with Caudate Lobe Resection
Published on: April 11, 2025
Recurrent haematochezia in an 85-year-old man with hepatocellular carcinoma
Shweta Sharma1, Steven Nicolaides1, Ola Niewiadomski1
1Gastroenterology, Eastern Health, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia.
An 85-year-old man with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis secondary to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis presented to casualty with four days of painless haematochezia with dark blood without haemodynamic compromise. This was in the setting of receiving stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) as treatment for his hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).He was found to have haemorrhagic radiation colitis which was treated with argon plasma coagulation (APC). Our case demonstrates the importance of considering radiation induced colitis as a cause for painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with a background of radiation therapy for HCC. Earlier review of the imaging and consideration of this differential could have prevented the need for repeat hospitalisations and would have led to prompt colonoscopy and diagnosis.
An 85-year-old man with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis secondary to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis presented to casualty with four days of painless haematochezia with dark blood without haemodynamic compromise. This was in the setting of receiving stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) as treatment for his hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).He was found to have haemorrhagic radiation colitis which was treated with argon plasma coagulation (APC). Our case demonstrates the importance of considering radiation induced colitis as a cause for painless lower gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with a background of radiation therapy for HCC. Earlier review of the imaging and consideration of this differential could have prevented the need for repeat hospitalisations and would have led to prompt colonoscopy and diagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
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...
Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not...
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Gastritis III: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical manifestations of acute gastritis
The patient with acute gastritis may have a rapid onset of symptoms, such as epigastric pain or discomfort, dyspepsia, anorexia, hiccups, or nausea and vomiting, which can last from a few hours to a few days. Erosive or hemorrhagic gastritis may cause bleeding, which may manifest as blood in vomit or as...

