Lower intestinal hemorrhage

Lower intestinal hemorrhage, defined as bleeding originating below the ligament of Treitz, is a common clinical problem frequently requiring hospital admission. The two chief causes, vascular ectasia and diverticulosis, are degenerative diseases usually found in the elderly. This article focuses on those disease entities that potentially can result in significant lower intestinal blood loss. It also discusses a generalized approach to the diagnostic evaluation leading to specific management of the patient presenting with this problem.