Summary
A case of massive rectal bleeding from a nonspecific lesion of the rectum has been presented. The implications of this case have been discussed and the causes of massive rectal bleeding outlined.
It is recommended that an aggressive approach to the management of this problem be adopted and that surgical intervention be considered early if clinical signs of reduced blood volume are present or if blood loss of more than two units has occurred.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Abrams, B., and H. B. Lynn: Rectal bleeding in children. Am. J. Surg.104: 831, 1962.
Barker, C. F., F. C. Nance, and G. W. Peskin: Regional hypothermia for massive bleeding. Surgery56: 624, 1964.
Hoar, C. S., and W. F. Bernhard: Colonic bleeding and diverticular disease of the colon. Surg. Gynec. Obstet.99: 101, 1954.
Korelitz, B. I., and H. D. Janowitz: Ulcerative colitis—general considerations: With special reference to the medical aspects and surgical indications.In Turell, R. (editor): Diseases of the Colon and Anorectum. Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders Company, 1959, vol. 2, chapt. 33, p. 662.
Peters, H. E., Jr.: Massive hemorrhage from the lower intestinal tract. West. J. Surg.64: 646, 1956.
Rodkey, G. V., and C. E. Welch: Diverticulitis and diverticulosis of the colon.In Turell, R. (editor): Diseases of the Colon and Anorectum. Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders Company, 1959, vol. 2, chapt. 32, p. 639.
Shackelford, R. T.: Hemorrhoids and their surgical treatment.In Turell, R. (editor): Diseases of the Colon and Anorectum. Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders Company, 1959, vol. 2, chapt. 43, p. 851.
Sheehy, T. W., and M. H. Floch: The Small Intestine: Its Function and Diseases. New York, Harper & Row, 1964, pp. 419–431.
Turell, R.: Laceration to anorectum incident to enema, therapeutic considerations. Arch. Surg.81: 953, 1960.
Turnbull, G. C.: Massive hemorrhage from diverticula of the colon: A report of twelve patients. Quart. Bull. Northwestern Univ. M. School22: 292, 1948.
Von Oettingen, W. F.: Poisoning: A Guide to Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment. Ed. 2, Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders Company, 1958, p. 422.
Young, J. M., and M. B. Howorth, Jr.: Massive hemorrhage in diverticulosis: Possible explanation of cause with presentation of case requiring surgical treatment. Ann. Surg.140: 128, 1954.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
About this article
Cite this article
Kirkpatrick, J.R. Massive rectal bleeding in the adult. Dis Colon Rectum 12, 248–252 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02617277
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02617277