The Value of Colonoscopy in Assessing Rectal Bleeding in Patients Referred From Outpatient Care Units in Erbil, Iraq

Abstract

Background and objectives: Rectal bleeding denotes bleeding from the lower colon or rectum, specifically from a location distal to the ligament of Treitz. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is very common in adults of all ages. This study aimed to review the diagnostic findings of colonoscopy in outpatients who had nonurgent rectal bleeding and identify common pathologies causing rectal bleeding in patients at Erbil and Rizgary Teaching Hospitals in Iraq.