Dr. Maxwell M Chait
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, USA
Title: Lower GI bleeding in patients with cirrhosis
Biography
Biography: Dr. Maxwell M Chait
Abstract
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. LGIB occurs in approximately 20% of all patients with cirrhosis who present with gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). The incidence and severity of LGIB in patients with cirrhosis depends upon the incidence of specific gastrointestinal diseases, coagulopathy, co-morbid diseases and polypharmacy. The evaluation and treatment of patients is adjusted to the rate and severity of hemorrhage and the clinical status of the patient and may be complicated by the presence of visual, auditory and cognitive impairment due to hepatic encephalopathy. Bleeding may be chronic and mild or severe and life threatening, requiring endoscopic, radiologic or surgical intervention and methods to reduce portal hypertension.
