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World J Gastrointest Endosc. May 16, 2010; 2(5): 147-154
Published online May 16, 2010. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v2.i5.147
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding in the elderly
Maxwell M Chait
Maxwell M Chait, The Hartsdale Medical Group, 180 East Hartsdale Avenue, Hartsdale, New York, NY 10530, United States
Author contributions: Chait MM contributed solely to this paper.
Correspondence to: Maxwell M Chait, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF, FASGE, The Hartsdale Medical Group, 180 East Hartsdale Avenue, Hartsdale, New York, NY 10530, United States. mdgi77@aol.com
Telephone: +1-914-7252010 Fax: +1-914-7256488
Received: November 19, 2009
Revised: April 9, 2010
Accepted: April 16, 2010
Published online: May 16, 2010
Abstract

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is an important worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. The incidence of LGIB increases with age and corresponds to the increased incidence of specific gastrointestinal diseases that have worldwide regional variation, co-morbid diseases and polypharmacy. The evaluation and treatment of patients is adjusted to the rate and severity of hemorrhage and the clinical status of the patient and may be complicated by the presence of visual, auditory and cognitive impairment due to age and co-morbid disease. Bleeding may be chronic and mild or severe and life threatening, requiring endoscopic, radiologic or surgical intervention. Colonoscopy provides the best method for evaluation and treatment of patients with LGIB. There will be a successful outcome of LGIB in the majority of elderly patients with appropriate evaluation and management.

Keywords: Lower gastrointestinal bleeding; Lower gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage; Colonic hemorrhage; Colonic bleeding; Elderly