What percentage of GI hemorrhages are from the upper GI tract?

• A. 60%
• B. 25%
• C. 10%
• D. 85%

Answer: (D)

Most GI hemorrhages come from the upper GI tract, about 85% of cases. The upper GI tract includes the esophagus, stomach, and the proximal duodenum (proximal to the ligament of Treitz). This region is repeatedly exposed to gastric acid, pepsin, and various erosive processes, with common bleeding sources such as peptic ulcers, gastritis, esophagitis, esophageal varices, and Mallory‑Weiss tears. Those factors make upper GI bleeds far more frequent than lower GI bleeds. The remainder originate lower in the GI tract—areas like the colon or small intestine distal to the ligament of Treitz—causes such as diverticulosis, angiodysplasia, hemorrhoids, and inflammatory diseases.