Article Sections

Introduction

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is classified into two main categories based on the anatomical location of the bleeding source:

  • Upper GI bleeds (UGIBs) refer to bleeding originating proximal to the ligament of Treitz, typically involving the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.
  • Lower GI bleeds (LGIBs) originate distal to the ligament of Treitz and commonly involve the small intestine, colon, rectum, or anus.

GI bleeding can present with a wide spectrum of severity, ranging from mild, self-limited episodes to life-threatening hemorrhages requiring immediate intervention.

Anatomy and pathophysiology

The GI tract is a continuous, muscular tube extending from the mouth to the anus.  It is divided into the upper and lower GI tracts, each with distinct anatomical features and common sources of bleeding ( Figure 1).

Upper GI tract

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