hematochezia /hem′ətōkē″zhə/ [Gk, haima + chezo, feces] , the passage of blood in the feces. The cause is usually bleeding in the colon or rectum, but it may result from the loss of blood higher in the digestive tract, although blood passed from the stomach or small intestine generally loses its red coloration. Cancer, colitis, and ulcers are among causes of hematochezia. Compare melena.
