Diverticular Disease: Severe Bleeding

Severe bleeding (diverticular hemorrhage) is a separate problem from Reference diverticulitis Opens New Window. Severe bleeding occurs in less than 5 out of 100 people who have bleeding from Reference diverticula Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window in the colon. Bleeding stops on its own in about 75 out of 100 cases.^{Reference 1} But sometimes bleeding may be severe enough that a blood transfusion is needed.

Imaging tests including angiography (also known as Reference arteriography Opens New Window) may be used to find the location of persistent bleeding. Angiography also can be used to deliver medicines to the site to help stop the bleeding. Doctors also may use Reference colonoscopy Opens New Window to apply medicines or instruments to try to stop bleeding.

If these methods do not work, surgery may be needed to stop the bleeding and to prevent repeated problems with bleeding.

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