Diverticular bleeding occurs when pouches, also known as Diverticula, that have developed in the wall of the large intestine (colon) bleed. If you have these pouches, you have a condition called Diverticulosis. Diverticular bleeding causes a large amount of blood to appear in your stool.
The reason pouches (diverticula) form in the colon wall is not completely understood. Doctors think diverticula form when high pressure inside the colon pushes against weak spots in the colon wall. Normally, a diet with enough fiber (also called roughage) produces stool that is bulky and can move easily through the colon. If a diet is low in fiber, the colon must exert more pressure than usual to move small, hard stools. A low-fiber diet also can increase the time stool remains in the bowel, adding to the high pressure.
Pouches may form when the high pressure pushes against weak spots in the colon. Weak spots are where blood vessels pass through the muscle layer of the bowel wall to supply blood to the inner wall. Bleeding occurs when the blood vessel going to the pouch breaks open.
Diverticular bleeding usually causes sudden and severe bleeding from the rectum. The blood may be dark red or bright red, and there may be clots. In most cases there is no abdominal (belly) pain.
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Diverticular bleeding is diagnosed by ruling out other causes of the bleeding. Your doctor will do a medical history and physical exam, along with some tests. Colonoscopy—the inspection of the entire large intestine (colon) using a long, flexible, lighted viewing scope (colonoscope)—is thought to be one of the most useful tests for finding the source of bleeding in the lower intestines. An imaging test such as CT angiography may be done to find the location of persistent bleeding.
Our team of gastroenterologists at GI Solutions Inc. is dedicated to providing a thorough diagnosis and personalized treatment plan to ensure the best outcomes.
Diverticular bleeding is often treated with a combination of conservative and invasive procedures, depending on the severity of the bleeding and the patient’s overall health. Treatment options for diverticular bleeding include:
In many cases, diverticular bleeding resolves on its own. Patients may receive intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, and injections of medicines to replace lost blood.
A colonoscopy is often the first step in diagnosing and treating diverticular bleeding. If bleeding is identified during a colonoscopy, it can be treated with epinephrine injection, bipolar coagulation, clipping, or banding.
If bleeding cannot be identified during a colonoscopy, or if the colonoscopy is unsuccessful, angiography can be used to block the bleeding artery.
Surgery is typically considered for patients who have ongoing bleeding despite other treatments, or who are hemodynamically unstable. The type of surgery depends on the location of the bleeding.
If you’re experiencing persistent or severe abdominal pain, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference. Contact GI Solutions Inc. today to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified gastroenterologists. Your digestive health is our top priority!
Dr. Jonathan Erlich is a highly trained gastroenterologist with extensive experience diagnosing and treating Diverticular Bleeding. If you are looking for specialized treatment for Diverticular Bleeding near the Chicago area, please fill in this form.
Eating a high-fiber diet, getting plenty of fluid, and exercising regularly may help prevent the formation of diverticula. But if you already have diverticulosis, diet may not help prevent bleeding. You may have a higher risk of diverticular bleeding if you take aspirin or blood thinners. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of these medicines.
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