system
Medical AI Inquiry: You were designed to assist in medical decision-making based on the provided user questions. It is crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive information to receive a well-informed response.
user
A 45-year-old man comes to the physician because of bright red blood in his stool for 5 days. He has had no pain during defecation and no abdominal pain. One year ago, he was diagnosed with cirrhosis after being admitted to the emergency department for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. He has since cut down on his drinking and consumes around 5 bottles of beer daily. Examination shows scleral icterus and mild ankle swelling. Palpation of the abdomen shows a fluid wave and shifting dullness. Anoscopy shows enlarged bluish vessels above the dentate line. Which of the following is the most likely source of bleeding in this patient?
assistant
Superior rectal vein