The utility of urgent colonoscopy in the evaluation of acute lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding: a 2-year experience from a single center

Abstract

Urgent colonoscopy as the initial investigation in acute lower GI tract bleeding probably does not alter the outcome in most cases. Identification of a definite bleeding source leading to successful therapeutic intervention is rare. Spontaneous resolution is frequent, length of hospital stay is similar, and clinical outcome is excellent regardless of whether or not urgent colonoscopy is performed.