ABSTRACT
Acute gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage is a frequent cause for admission to the surgical
intensive care unit. Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) causes are more common (85%) than
lower gastrointestinal (LGI) causes (15%). The likelihood that emergency surgery will
be necessary is estimated at 40% for UGI sources and at 30% for LGI sources (1). Clini-
cally, the distinction between UGI and LGI sources is important. Practically, LGI bleeding
is hemorrhage that occurs beyond the range of the UGI endoscope. Fortunately, bleeding
ceases in 85% of patients without intervention. The remaining 15% of patients require early, accurate diagnosis and therapy (2).
