Bleeding from internal arteries such as mesenteric or gastrointestinal vessels can be life-threatening and needs urgent intervention. Diagnosis is often confirmed using advanced imaging like angiography. Treatment may include minimally invasive embolisation or open surgery to stop the bleeding and stabilize the patient, depending on the location and severity.
Bleeding inside the body, especially from arteries supplying the gastrointestinal tract, is a medical emergency. When blood vessels in the abdomen rupture or leak, the result is often rapid blood loss, low blood pressure and sometimes shock. This condition is most commonly seen in the form of gastrointestinal bleeding and the source can vary from small ulcers to ruptured arteries. One of the more serious causes is a mesenteric vessel bleed, where an artery supplying the bowel starts to bleed internally.
Understanding the source and nature of the bleeding is essential. Once identified, the bleeding vessel must be closed quickly to prevent complications. Today, with the advent of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and embolisation techniques, we are able to identify and treat these bleeds with minimally invasive methods. In other cases, especially if bleeding is severe or if there is bowel damage, open surgery may still be necessary.
The mesenteric vessels are arteries that supply blood to the intestines. These include the superior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric artery and their branches. If one of these arteries ruptures or leaks, blood flows directly into the abdominal cavity or intestines, leading to significant internal bleeding.
Bleeding can also occur from smaller branches supplying the stomach, liver, pancreas, or spleen. Common causes include:
Symptoms vary depending on the location of the bleed and how fast it is progressing. Common warning signs include:
In some cases, bleeding is slow and the person may only show signs of chronic blood loss such as fatigue or low hemoglobin. In other cases, the bleeding is rapid and dramatic, leading to collapse and shock within minutes.
GI bleeding refers to bleeding from any part of the digestive tract – from the esophagus down to the rectum. It is broadly classified into:
When a vascular cause is suspected – such as a bleeding artery, eroded vessel, or tumor feeder – the source must be identified and stopped quickly.
In emergencies, the first step is to stabilize the patient with fluids and blood transfusions. Once stable, investigations are done to locate the bleeding site.
Once the bleeding artery is identified during angiography, embolisation is performed to block the blood flow. This is done by injecting special materials like coils, glue, or particles into the artery.
Benefits:
Embolisation is effective in most cases of arterial GI bleeding or mesenteric bleeds. It can be repeated if needed.
In cases where embolisation is not possible or if there is additional bowel injury, open surgery is required. The bleeding vessel is tied off or repaired. If part of the bowel has died due to lack of blood supply, that segment may need to be removed.
Indications for surgery:
Surgical intervention is life-saving in these situations and is performed by a vascular surgeon with experience in abdominal vessels.
Following successful control of bleeding, patients are closely monitored in an intensive care or high-dependency unit. Further treatment depends on the underlying cause, whether it was a ruptured artery, cancer-related bleed, or inflammation.
Regular follow-up may include:
If there are symptoms of unexplained abdominal pain, dark or bloody stools, or repeated episodes of low haemoglobin, a vascular evaluation may be necessary. In patients with history of aneurysms, vascular procedures, or cancer, a bleeding artery should always be considered if they present with bleeding symptoms.
A vascular surgeon is trained to assess, localize and treat arterial bleeding – either by keyhole methods or open surgery – depending on the urgency and location of the bleed.
A mesenteric vessel bleed or gastrointestinal artery bleed is a vascular emergency. Early recognition, prompt imaging and definitive treatment—either through embolisation or surgery—can save lives. At our clinic, we are equipped with the expertise and technology to treat such conditions with speed, precision and care.
If you or someone you know experiences signs of internal bleeding or sudden drop in haemoglobin without a clear reason, do not delay seeking specialized vascular care.
At our clinic, We offer the latest therapies, honest guidance, and personalized care. If you or your loved one is living with Mesenteric / GI Bleed, don’t delay. Book an appointment and let’s plan the best way forward — together
