What is Angiodysplasia of Colon?
Angiodysplasia of colon is a medical condition wherein there is loss of blood occasionally from the gastrointestinal tract. This loss of blood is due to the enlarged blood vessels in the colon. It is also known as abnormal behaviour of the blood vessels in the colon.
This condition is usually prevalent in elder people.
What are the signs and symptoms?
- Rectal bleeding
- Weakness and fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Dark or black stools
What are the causes?
- Due to aging and degeneration of the blood vessels. Normal contractions of the intestine lead to the enlargement of the blood vessels with time.
What are the risk factors involved?
- If the enlargement of the blood vessels is so large, that a fistula is generated between a very small vein and artery. This condition is known as arteriovenous fistula. This can lead to bleeding.
- Death due to loss of excessive blood.
When to seek medical advice?
You should seek immediate medical advice if you notice:
- Rectal bleeding
What are the methods of screening and diagnosis?
- Angiography: If there is active bleeding
- Blood test: Complete blood count to check for anaemia.
- Colonoscopy: To completely check the colon for any bleeding.
- Stool guaiac test: A positive result indicates bleeding from the colon.
What is the treatment?
- The patient is kept under observation in an intensive care unit. Blood transfusion may occur. Alternatively fluids may be intravenously administered.
- The next step is to determine the location where the bleeding is taking place and how fast it is bleeding.
- Once the bleeding area is, following treatment may be administered:
- Angiography: Aids in formation of a clot in the bleeding area. Also, useful in delivering the medicine to tighten the blood vessels. This will stop bleeding.
- Cauterizing (burning): Using a colonoscope the bleeding site is burnt with heat or laser.
- Argon plasma coagulation: Electrical energy is used to stop bleeding.
- If nothing works, surgery (removal of the right side of the colon) is the last option.
How to prevent?
- Bleeding has to be controlled. Contact immediate help in case of rectal bleeding.
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