Skin and Subcutaneous Surgery

Gastrointestinal bleeding is the acute loss of blood from the digestive tract and can be life-threatening if severe. Upper GI bleeding often results from peptic ulcers, esophagitis, or varices, while lower GI bleeding may be caused by diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, malignancy, or angiodysplasia. Diagnosis involves blood tests, endoscopy, and sometimes nasogastric aspirate. Management includes stabilizing the patient with fluids or transfusions and treating the source endoscopically or surgically. Preventive measures include ulcer management, avoiding NSAIDs, and prophylactic variceal treatment.