Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is usually categorized as either melena or hematochezia. Melena refers to black stools, while hematochezia refers to fresh, red blood in your stool. This blood might be mixed in with your stool or come out separately. Hematochezia usually comes from the colon, while melena usually comes from a higher point in your GI ...
This blood is darker because it has to travel farther down your GI tract. By the time it reaches your anus, it’s been deoxygenated, which removes its bright red color. In addition to melena, you might also experience hematemesis, which refers to vomiting blood.
Melena. Melena causes black, tarry stools that are easy to distinguish from the brighter red associated with hematochezia. The blood is usually jet-black, similar to ink from a black ballpoint pen. Your stools might also look or feel sticky. This blood is darker because it has to travel farther down your GI tract.
Hematochezia. Hematochezia is usually a bright red color. Remember, hematochezia is caused by bleeding in your colon, which is fairly close to your anus. The blood only travels a short distance, so it’s still fresh by the time it leaves your anus.
Endoscopic thermal probe. This involves burning the blood vessel or tissue that’s causing an ulcer. Endoscopic clips. These can close a bleeding blood vessel or other source of bleeding in the tissue in your GI tract.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). A small tube with a camera and light attached to it is inserted through your mouth and down your esophagus. This will help your doctor check for signs of bleeding higher up in your GI tract. Blood, stool, or breath test.
Hematochezia originates lower in your GI tract, usually in your colon. Several things can cause bleeding in your lower GI tract, including: In children, hematochezia is usually caused by IBD, Meckel’s diverticulum, or juvenile polyps.