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Diverticular Bleeding
- Diverticular bleeding is the most common source of lower GI bleeds and accounts for 17 to 40 percent of cases
- The most common presentation (80%) is massive painless rectal bleeding.
- Patients may have some cramping prior to a bloody bowel movement but otherwise will typically have no abdominal pain.
- The majority of the cases will resolve spontaneously, but those requiring more than 4 units of Packed Red Blood Cells should be considered for an angiogram or surgery.
- Angiography can be used to localize the site of bleeding and embolize the bleeding source.
- If embolization fails the patient may require a partial colectomy to treat the bleeding source.