CHSJ

Curr Health Sci J, vol. 35, no. 3, 2009

Capsule Endoscopy - Diagnostic Role in Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding

[Review]

C.C. VERE(1), S. CAZACU(1), C.T.STREBA(1), F. SIMA(1), D. PARVU(1), A. IONESCU(1)


(1)Department of Internal Medicine, County Emergency University Hospital, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova


Abstract:

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding accounts for over 5% of the total gastrointestinal bleedings. Due to the nature of the lesions and to the fact that about 5% are located in the small bowel, it is one of the most important indications of capsule endoscopy. Capsule endoscopy is a safe, non invasive diagnostic tool, mainly used to investigate small bowel lesions. It has a very high diagnostic yield especially if the bleeding is ongoing. Several studies prove this technique to be superior to other methods for the detection of suspected lesions and the source of bleeding. Capsule endoscopy has been shown to change the outcome in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleedings, especially if used in conjunction with double balloon enteroscopy.


Keywords: Capsule Endoscopy, Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding, Small Bowel



Corresponding: Associated Professor CC Vere, Md, PhD, Department of Internal Medicine, County Emergency University Hospital, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Craiova, e-mail: vere.cristin@gmail.com


DOI 10.12865/CHSJ.35.03.02 - Download PDF
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