Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is an increasingly common problem in patients
with comorbid medical conditions that place them at higher bleeding risk. This discussion
of some special considerations in the GI bleeding patient encompasses an overview
of the elderly patient, and selects comorbid conditions that place patients at higher
risk of developing intestinal bleeding. The discussion lends itself to exploring the
challenges of and new advancements in anticoagulation therapy. Radiation induced proctitis
and rectal varices as sources of LGIB will also be addressed.
Keywords
lower intestinal bleeding - anticoagulation - direct oral anticoagulants - rectal
bleeding - radiation proctitis - rectal varices
