Bleeding Colorectal Tumors

Abstract

Colorectal tumors are the third most common source of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding, after diverticulosis and hemorrhoids. Additionally, tumors account for a very common source of chronic occult bleeding. The choice of approach to evaluation and management of acute and chronic lower gastrointestinal bleeding is based on the acuity of the situation. Acute bleeding focuses on stabilization of the patient, followed by localization of the bleeding source. Management will most likely be via endoscopic or angiographic approach, with surgical options reserved for those situations that cannot be managed otherwise. Chronic bleeding is most commonly evaluated via colonoscopy. Once a diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer has been made, preoperative staging of the lesion followed by definitive surgery is the recommended approach.