Predicting the need for transfer and interventional angiography for patients with acute colonic haemorrhage in a regional setting

Abstract

Background: Radiological angioembolization is an important strategy in management of acute colonic bleeding. Due to requirement for specialized interventional radiology, many hospitals rely on transfer for this service. This study aimed to identify patient and clinical factors associated with positive (blush) computed tomography mesenteric angiogram (CTMA) or need for invasive angiography. The secondary aim was to identify a patient population who may forego transfer and be safely managed in a regional centre. Methods: All presentations to Central Coast Local Health District with colonic bleeding from