Synopsis:
Acute lower GI bleed (ALGIB) in 189 hospitalized patients were reviewed. The mean age was 67 years with 55% female and 80 % of patients had comorbid illnesses. Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) use was present in 24% and 16%, respectively. The leading causes of ALGIB were diverticular disease 56%, colorectal cancer and haemorrhoidal disease 11% each and colonic polyps 8.5%. Recurrent bleeding occurred in 3.7%; 19% of patients required emergency surgery and blood transfusion was given in 43%. The average hospitalization stay was seven days. Overall mortality was 2.6%.