Table 1.

Definitions

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding	GI bleeding originating proximal to the ligament of Treitz (esophagus, stomach and duodenum)
Lower gastrointestinal bleeding	GI bleeding originating distal to the ligament of Treitz (small bowel and colon)
Occult gastrointestinal bleeding	GI bleeding that is not visible to the patient or physician, resulting in either a positive fecal occult blood test or iron-deficiency anemia
Hematemesis	Vomiting of blood or coffee-ground-like material
Hematochezia	Passage of fresh blood per anus
Melena	Passage of black, tarry stools per anus

GI: Gastrointestinal.