Protocolo diagnóstico de la rectorragia

Rectal bleeding usually it is due to lesions of the colon, the most frequent diverticula and angiodysplasias; but it can also originate in the small intestine or in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The method of choice for the diagnosis is colonoscopy, which also provides for treatment in most cases. In patients with acute rectal bleeding and hemodynamic compromise should undergone first gastroscopy. When anal pathology is suspected it is useful to practice an anoscopy. Other methods may be needed to reach a diagnosis, capsule endoscopy, enteroscopy, angiography, isotope studies, computed tomography techniques and exploratory laparotomy. The study of mild rectal bleeding performed on an outpatient basis, while the rectal bleeding severe (hemodynamic instability) should be done with the patient hospitalized.