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Diverticular Disease: Severe Bleeding

Topic Overview

Severe bleeding (diverticular hemorrhage) is a separate problem from diverticulitis. Severe bleeding occurs in less than 5% of people with bleeding from diverticula in the colon. Bleeding stops on its own in about 75% of cases.1 But sometimes, bleeding may be severe enough that a blood transfusion is needed.

Imaging tests including angiography (also known as arteriography) may be used to find the location of persistent bleeding. Angiography also can be used to deliver medicines to the site to help stop the bleeding. Doctors also may use colonoscopy to apply medicines or instruments to try to stop bleeding.

If these methods do not work, surgery may be necessary to prevent repeated problems with bleeding.

References

Citations

  1. Davis BR, Matthews JB (2006). Diverticular disease of the colon. In M Wolfe et al., eds., Therapy of Digestive Disorders, 2nd ed., pp. 855–859. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology
Last Revised July 26, 2010

Last Revised: July 26, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Arvydas D. Vanagunas, MD - Gastroenterology

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