Rectal bleeding

Rectal bleeding refers to bleeding in the rectum. There are many causes of rectal hemorrhage, including inflamed hemorrhoids (which are dilated vessels in the perianal fat pads), rectal varices, proctitis (of various causes), stercal ulcers and infections. Diagnosis is usually made by proctoscopy, which is an endoscopic test.[1] Bleeding from the anus is termed anal hemorrhage and is usually superficial in nature.

Rectal bleeding
Other names	Rectal hemorrhage

See also

• Lower gastrointestinal bleeding
• Blood in stool
  • Hematochezia
  • Fecal occult blood
  • Melena

References

1. Vernava AM, Moore BA, Longo WE, Johnson FE (1997). "Lower gastrointestinal bleeding". Dis. Colon Rectum. 40 (7): 846–58. doi:10.1007/BF02055445. PMID 9221865.