Overview of diverticular bleeding

Diverticular disease is the most common cause of massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding; however, less than 10% of patients with diverticular disease experience a diverticular bleedNiikura, 2015. Despite diverticula being more common on the left side of the colon, most diverticular bleeds arise from the right hemicolon. Bleeding is more likely in patients taking antithrombotic therapy or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)Hreinsson, 2015.

Diverticular bleeding is characterised by the sudden passage of a large volume of bright red blood, though it may be preceded by a smaller herald bleed.