Outlook

The majority of people with significant rectal bleeding are elderly. Members of this population commonly have many other medical problems. As a result, they tend to suffer increased rates of illness and death.

• In recent years, death from rectal bleeding has significantly decreased. This reduction is due to more efficient emergency departments, recent advances in procedures, and evolving surgical management.

• The majority of complications from rectal bleeding occur when large amounts of blood have been lost.

• Some 80% of acute rectal bleeding episodes will resolve without treatment.

• Yet, 25% of the areas causing this rectal bleeding will re-bleed. This underscores the need for making a definitive diagnosis and in discovering the source of the bleeding so that the corrective actions may be made.

• Rectal bleeding with symptoms of weakness, dizziness, or fainting is associated with at least 1 liter of blood lost. This will usually cause you to seek medical care. Sudden loss of 2 liters or more of blood can be dangerous, if not fatal.