Massive Rectal Hemorrhage From a Stercoral Ulcer

Samara Hassranah1, Sandeep Maharajh1, Sanjeev Solomon2

  • 1Surgery, Medical Associates Hospital, St. Joseph, TTO.

Cureus
|August 22, 2022
PubMed
Summary

Massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding from stercoral ulcers is rare. Prompt diagnosis is crucial to avoid harmful interventions for this uncommon cause of severe rectal bleeding.

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