Abstract

JULIAO BANOS, Fabián. What is the best diagnostic approach for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding?. Rev Col Gastroenterol [online]. 2010, vol.25, n.2, pp.177-184. ISSN 0120-9957.

For the gastroenterologist, the study of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding is a diagnostic challenge. Using recent definitions as starting point for locating and defining the type of obscure bleeding allows better study and classification of these individuals. Since 25% of the causes of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding are within the reach of upper endoscopy and total colonoscopy, we are compelled to make good clinical evaluations and establish quality parameters for performance of these procedures. With the emergence of new techniques such as capsule endoscopy and balloon enteroscopy, the study of the small intestine with higher performance than previously available through imaging studies is now possible in our environment. Rational sequential use of these diagnostic tools, exhaustive reviews of capsule endoscopy images plus and adequate training in performing balloon enteroscopy including the two-way approach when necessary, will help us to establish and treat the cause in most patients with this condition

Keywords : Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding; occult bleeding; capsule endoscopy; balloon enteroscopy.

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