Emergency department management of patients with rectal bleeding

Rectal bleeding accounts for approximately 1 out of every 1000 United States emergency department visits annually. The causes of rectal bleeding are broad, and can range from the benign to the life-threating. This review provides foundational knowledge on rectal bleeding as well as evidence-based recommendations for its evaluation and initial management in the emergency department. Anatomic considerations are discussed, and the differential diagnosis based on risk factors such as age and comorbid conditions is presented. Treatment recommendations based on the presumed diagnosis as well as the evidence associated with their use are also described. Decision-making, including disposition based on laboratory results, imaging studies, and application of risk scoring calculations is also discussed.