“Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is one of the most common reasons for hospitalization in the United States due to a digestive disorder, accounting for over 100,000 admissions annually. Although historically LGIB has referred to a bleeding source originating distal to the ligament of Treitz, small bowel bleeding is considered a separate entity, with a distinct diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm. For the purposes of this clinical practice guideline, LGIB refers to hematochezia or bright red blood per rectum originating from a colorectal source.”

“Compared with other conditions in gastroenterology such as UGIB or inflammatory bowel disease, the lack of high-quality, randomized trial data to guide diagnosis and management in LGIB limits the strength of these recommendations. However given how frequently clinicians manage patients who are hospitalized with LGIB and the overall high burden of colonoscopy performed for this condition, the panel wanted to provide guidance and evidence-based recommendations whenever possible. Future research in LGIB should be focused on a few key areas, in which further data are urgently needed.”

Sengupta, Neil et al. “Management of Patients With Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: An Updated ACG Guideline.” The American journal of gastroenterology vol. 118,2 (2023): 208-231. Full Text for Emory Users