Optimal management of the patient presenting with small bowel bleeding

Abstract

The management of small bowel bleeding, also known as obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, has changed substantially over the past two decades due to revolutionary technological advances in small intestinal endoscopy. This clinical review will summarize the evolving definition of small bowel bleeding, how to perform a detailed initial assessment of patients with the condition, the strengths and limitations of small bowel endoscopy, and the treatment of small bowel bleeding.

Keywords: Balloon assisted enterosocopy; Capsule endoscopy; Double balloon enteroscopy; Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding; Review; Single balloon enteroscopy; Small bowel bleeding.