Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding refers to any bleeding that starts in the gastrointestinal tract, which extends from the mouth to the large bowel. The degree of bleeding can range from nearly undetectable to acute, massive and life-threatening. GI bleeding is not a disease, but a symptom of a disease. There are many possible causes of GI bleeding including:

• Hemorrhoids

• Peptic ulcers

• Inflammation or tearing in the esophagus

• Diverticulosis (pouches that bulge outwards through the large intestine) or diverticulitis (pouches that become inflamed or infected)

• Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease (diseases of the large intestine)

• Colonic polyps (extra tissue that grows in the large intestine)

• Cancer in the colon, stomach or esophagus

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding may lead to death when uncontrolled. Better processes of care in the hospital may reduce the risk of death (mortality) from GI bleeding.