Role of capsule endoscopy in diagnosis of patients with suspected small intestinal bleeding

【Objective】To evaluate the value of capsule endoscopy (CE) in the diagnosis of patients with suspected small intestinal bleeding of obscure origin.【Method】Clinical and other data were collected prospectively for 66 patients undergoing CE for GI bleeding.Patients were divided into two groups: those with obvert bleeding (57 patients) and those with Occult bleeding and anemia.The relationship between these data and the findings at CE was examined.【Result】A definite or probable cause of bleeding was found in 57 patients.There was no difference between the lesion found and normal study group with respect to age,gender,mode of presentation,duration of bleeding,or need for transfusion.【Conclusion】Capsule endoscopy is equally useful in patients with overt and occult small intestinal bleeding of obscure origin.