Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Small-bowel bleeding comprises a majority of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, but is caused by various kinds of diseases. For its diagnosis, history-taking and physical examination is requisite, leading to a suspicion of what diseases are involved. Next, cross-sectional imaging such as computed tomography should be done, followed by the latest enteroscopy, videocapsule endoscopy and deep enteroscopy according to the severity of hemorrhage and patient conditions. After comprehensive diagnosis, medical, enteroscopic, or surgical treatment should be selected.

Keywords: Meckel's scan; angiography; computed tomography; double-balloon endoscopy; fecal occult blood testing; obscure gastrointestinal bleeding; single-balloon endoscoopy; video-capsule endoscopy.