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Medical Author:

Dedra R Tolson, MD

Medical Editor:

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

John P. Cunha, DO, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Cunha's educational background includes a BS in Biology from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and a DO from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, MO. He completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, New Jersey.

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Rectal Bleeding Medical Treatment

Regardless of the source of bleeding, treatment of significant blood loss will begin by stabilizing the patient's condition.

• Initially, oxygen will be provided to the patient and the heart will be monitored. An IV will be started to administer fluids and for a possible blood transfusion.
• Further treatment options will depend on the suspected source of bleeding. It is likely a specialist such as a general surgeon, gastroenterologist, or colorectal surgeon will become involved in the treatment plan.
• Admission to the hospital is required when a marked amount of blood loss has occurred, if bleeding has not stopped, or if your vital signs have not become normal.