Does rectal bleeding always require an intervention?
Yes. A patient of any age who presents with rectal bleeding requires a discussion of his or her risk factors including a family or personal history of colon cancer or polyps or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis). In addition, some form of visualization of the colon such as flexible sigmoidoscopy should be performed for those less than 40 years of age with no family history of colon cancer or polyps to look for a source of bleeding. A colonoscopy should be recommended to patients less than 40 years of age with rectal bleeding and a family history or personal history of colon cancer or polyps to exclude a colon cancer or polyp as the cause.
