Colonic Bleeding Treatment in Phoenix, AZ

Bleeding within the digestive tract can occur for a wide variety of different reasons. Any loss of blood that stems from the colon, also known as the large intestine, is classified specifically as colonic bleeding.

Common causes of bleeding in the colon are:

• Colon polyps
• Crohn’s disease
• Intestinal infection
• Diverticulosis
• Ischemic colitis
• Pseudomembranous colitis
• Ulcerative colitis
• Constipation
• Colon cancer

General surgeons Shawn Stevenson, DO, Van Leavitt, DO, and Gregory Robertson, MD are board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and have extensive experience performing safe and effective colonic surgery. If you’re in need of surgery for colonic bleeding in the Phoenix area, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us.

What Are the Symptoms of Colonic Bleeding?

Obviously, the most common sign of bleeding within the colon is to notice blood either within your stool. This will not appear as the bright red coloring we often see from an open wound that is visible from outside of the body, but rather, the stool is likely to possess some of the following characteristics:

• The stool is coated in blood
• Dark colored blood is mixed in with the stool
• The stool appears black and has a consistency similar to tar

Other symptoms frequently associated with colonic bleeding are tiredness, pale coloring to the skin, and anemia.

It is recommended that you contact a physician who specializes in colon conditions, such as a specialist at Dignity Health Medical Group, if you notice blood of any kind in your stool. They will be able to provide a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment options based upon the particular cause of your colonic bleeding.

How is Bleeding in the Colon Diagnosed?

There are several diagnostic imaging tests and procedures that can help to determine a definitive cause of a patient’s intestinal bleeding. A doctor will most often utilize one or more of the following tests to gain insights about symptoms that you are currently experiencing:

• Endoscopy procedure
• Colonoscopy
• Angiography
• X-ray
• Radionuclide scanning

Colonic Bleeding Treatment in Chandler

After the source of your bleeding and possible other symptoms has been determined, a doctor will begin to explain all treatment options and which method they believe will be best for you. Much of this recommendation will come down to the exact cause of your lower intestinal bleeding, as not every treatment will be applicable to the various causes of this condition.

Most often, endoscopic procedures will be suitable in treating the area with prescribed medications. It is also possible to cauterize the wound inside the colon using thermal endoscopic technologies. More severe cases of colonic bleeding may require invasive surgery.

After the area has been successfully treated, it is likely that you will be given a regimen to avoid future bleeding. This typically includes changes to your diet as well as possible prescription medications. Attending regular follow ups and routine colon screenings are also incredibly important in preventing any future colonic bleeding.