What condition involves the passage of bloody stools?

The condition that involves the passage of bloody stools is hematochezia. This term specifically refers to the presence of bright red blood in the stool, which typically indicates bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as the colon or rectum. It is important for healthcare providers to assess hematochezia as it can signify various underlying conditions that require prompt investigation and management.

In contrast, hematuria refers to blood in the urine, which is a sign of issues related to the urinary system, such as kidney stones or infections. A hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, usually due to an injury, and does not specifically refer to gastrointestinal bleeding. Hemophilia is a genetic bleeding disorder that affects the body’s ability to clot blood properly, but it does not directly describe the symptom of bloody stools. Thus, hematochezia is the appropriate term for this specific symptom.