Lower GI bleeding: updated diagnosis and management.

Lower GI bleeding in the elderly can be attributed to diverticula or vascular ectasias in most cases. Usually, a diagnosis is established by colonoscopy, but often this test must be supplemented by radiographic and additional endoscopic techniques, especially in the evaluation of obscure GI bleeding. Responsible lesions are frequently remediable by non-operative therapy. However, if surgical intervention is called for, it should not be delayed solely because of the patient's advanced age.