Diagnostic value of capsule endoscopy in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

Objective: To evaluate the effect of capsule endoscopy in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.Methods: The data of 128 patients referred in our hospital from January 2007 to January 2009 for the investigation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding were retrospectively analyzed.Their general information,bleeding patterns and test results were collected for analysis.Results: A total of 83 patients(64.8%) were obtained positive findings.82 patients were presented with overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding while 46 patients with occult obscure gastrointestinal bleeding,and there was no significant difference between the two groups(all P0.05).Angiodysplasias were the most frequent lesions identified,malignant tumor of small intestine were less frequently seen.Conclusion: Capsule endoscopy is a safe,non-invasive method,less pain for the patients,and positive diagnosis rate is high,it is worthy of clinical use.