Double balloon enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: an updated meta-analysis

Background and Aim: Uncertainty remains about the best test to evaluate patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). Previous meta‐analyses demonstrated similar diagnostic yields with capsule endoscopy (CE) and double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) but relied primarily on data from abstracts and were not limited to bleeding patients. Many studies have since been published. Therefore, we performed a new meta‐analysis comparing CE and DBE focused specifically on OGIB. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed of comparative studies using both CE and DBE in patients with OGIB. Data were extracted and analyzed to determine the weighted pooled diagnostic yields of each method and the odds ratio for the successful localization of a bleeding source. Results: Ten eligible studies were identified. The pooled diagnostic yield for CE was 62% (95% confidence interval [CI] 47.3–76.1) and for DBE was 56% (95% CI 48.9–62.1), with an odds ratio for CE compared with DBE of 1.39 (95% CI 0.88–2.20; P = 0.16). Subgroup analysis demonstrated the yield for DBE performed after a previously positive CE was 75.0% (95% CI 60.1–90.0), with the odds ratio for successful diagnosis with DBE after a positive CE compared with DBE in all patients of 1.79 (95% CI 1.09–2.96; P = 0.02). In contrast, the yield for DBE after a previously negative CE was only 27.5% (95% CI 16.7–37.8). Conclusions: Capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy provide similar diagnostic yields in patients with OGIB. However, the diagnostic yield of DBE is significantly higher when performed in patients with a positive CE.     

胶囊内镜在小肠疾病中的应用进展

胶囊内镜（CE）技术发展迅速,已成为一线小肠无创检查技术之一,目前已广泛用于不明原因消化道出血（OGIB）、炎症性肠病、小肠肿瘤、乳糜泻和腹痛等的诊断,其与双气囊小肠镜（DBE）联合应用可提高小肠疾病的诊疗水平。本文就CE在小肠疾病中的应用进展作一综述。     

Patient burden and patient preference: Comparing magnetic resonance enteroclysis,capsule endoscopy and balloon‐assisted enteroscopy

Background and Aim: We aimed to prospectively determine patient burden and patient preference for magnetic resonance enteroclysis, capsule endoscopy and balloon‐assisted enteroscopy in patients with suspected or known Crohn's disease (CD) or occult gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). Methods: Consecutive consenting patients with CD or OGIB underwent magnetic resonance enteroclysis, capsule endoscopy and balloon‐assisted enteroscopy. Capsule endoscopy was only performed if magnetic resonance enteroclysis showed no high‐grade small bowel stenosis. Patient preference and burden was evaluated by means of standardized questionnaires at five moments in time. Results: From January 2007 until March 2009, 76 patients were included (M/F 31/45; mean age 46.9 years; range 20.0–78.4 years): 38 patients with OGIB and 38 with suspected or known CD. Seventeen patients did not undergo capsule endoscopy because of high‐grade stenosis. Ninety‐five percent (344/363) of the questionnaires were suitable for evaluation. Capsule endoscopy was significantly favored over magnetic resonance enteroclysis and balloon‐assisted enteroscopy with respect to bowel preparation, swallowing of the capsule (compared to insertion of the tube/scope), burden of the entire examination, duration and accordance with the pre‐study information. Capsule endoscopy and magnetic resonance enteroclysis were significantly preferred over balloon‐assisted enteroscopy for clarity of explanation of the examination, and magnetic resonance enteroclysis was significantly preferred over balloon‐assisted enteroscopy for bowel preparation, painfulness and burden of the entire examination. Balloon‐assisted enteroscopy was significantly favored over magnetic resonance enteroclysis for insertion of the scope and procedure duration. Pre‐ and post‐study the order of preference was capsule endoscopy, magnetic resonance enteroclysis and balloon‐assisted enteroscopy. Conclusion: Capsule endoscopy was preferred to magnetic resonance enteroclysis and balloon‐assisted enteroscopy; it also had the lowest burden. Magnetic resonance enteroclysis was preferred over balloon‐assisted enteroscopy for clarity of explanation of the examination, bowel preparation, painfulness and burden of the entire examination, and balloon‐assisted enteroscopy over magnetic resonance enteroclysis for scope insertion and study duration.     

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: role of videocapsule and double-balloon enteroscopy

Capsule endoscopy (CE), which allows the non-invasive visualisation of mucosa throughout the entire small bowel, has revolutionised the exploration of small-bowel diseases, and particularly the evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) after a negative initial evaluation, including gastroscopy and colonoscopy. CE has a high negative predictive value and a higher diagnostic yield than all other modalities, such as radiology (small-bowel X-rays or computed tomography scan) or push enteroscopy. CE may be the preferred initial diagnostic choice in OGIB because of its non-invasive quality and better tolerance. Double-balloon enteroscopy, also known as push-and-pull enteroscopy, has recently been developed. It has made it possible not only to explore the small bowel but also to carry out therapeutic interventions deep in the small bowel without the need for surgical laparotomy. This exploration should be considered as a second-line exploration for OGIB in patients with a positive finding on CE requiring endoscopic follow-up for histology or intervention, and in patients in whom suspicion of a small-bowel lesion is high despite a negative CE.     

Investigation of the small bowel in gastrointestinal bleeding--enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy

The last frontier in luminal endoscopy has been conquered. Bleeding lesions in the small intestine can present a frustrating clinical problem, but recent advances have made investigating the small bowel easier and less invasive. Capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy are two new technologies that promise to lower the barrier to evaluation of the entire small intestine. Recent studies show that capsule endoscopy improves outcomes in patients who have OGIB. Although outcome studies regarding double balloon enteroscopy have not been performed, the opportunity to treat lesions throughout the small bowel without resorting to surgery is a tremendous advance. These improvements suggest that the corner may have been turned in the diagnosis and management of small bowel bleeding. Perhaps to the next generation of gastroenterologists, small bowel bleeding will not be obscure.     

Capsule endoscopy in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-enteropathy and miscellaneous, rare intestinal diseases

Despite significant advances over the last decade, mucosal lesions of the small bowel are poorly detected by imaging studies such as CT scan, MRI-enteroclysis and contrast-enhanced abdominal ultrasound. Capsule endoscopy （CE） has dramatically changed the diagnostic approach to intestinal diseases. Moreover, the use of CE can be extended to include other conditions. However, it is diffi cult to assess the positive influence of CE on patient outcomes in conditions involving a small number of patients, or in critically ill and diff icult to examine patients. CE has the advantage of diagnosing intestinal lesions and of directing the use of double balloon enteroscopy （DBE） in order to obtain biopsy specimens. Moreover, CE allows repeated assessment in chronic conditions, especially to detect relapse of an infectious disease.     

双气囊小肠镜与胶囊内镜诊断小肠出血病因比较

目的比较双气囊小肠镜和胶囊内镜在小肠出血中的诊断准确率和实用价值。方法24例原因不明的可疑小肠出血患者分别接受双气囊小肠镜和胶囊内镜检查。双气囊小肠镜首选进镜方式分为经口或经肛2种，首选方式检查后未发现病灶者，日后改换进镜方式再行检查。胶囊内镜采用以色列GIVEN公司产品。2种检查方法分别由专门医师独立操作并诊断，最后进行汇总比较。结果24例患者中21例通过小肠镜检查发现病灶，总检出率为87．5％。24例患者行胶囊内镜检查后，有阳性发现者11例(45．8％)，另13例无异常发现。双气囊小肠镜检查发现的阳性病灶均经活检病理和手术探查证实，其病因诊断准确率为87．5％，胶囊内镜诊断准确率为25％。在耐受性评估方面，胶囊内镜和全麻下经口进镜的耐受性最佳，以后依次为非麻醉经肛方式和非麻醉经口方式。所有小肠镜和胶囊内镜检查者中未见操作相关的严重不良反应。结论①经口和经肛方式结合能使双气囊小肠镜完成对全小肠的检查。②双气囊小肠镜在不明原因小肠出血的病因诊断方面明显优于胶囊内镜检查。③胶囊内镜在小肠多节段病变和长段病变的诊断上仍有一定价值。④胶囊内镜和全麻下经口双气囊小肠镜检查是一项易为患者接受的、安全的检查方法。     

胶囊内镜诊断不明原因消化道出血107例

目的:探讨胶囊内镜在不明原因消化道出血中的诊断价值及其与双气囊小肠镜在病因诊断中联合应用的意义。方法:采用M2A胶囊内镜对107例不明原因消化道出血患者进行检查,其中男61例,女46例,平均年龄(51.6±18.9)岁。其中36例患者依据胶囊内镜所观察到的结果,选择经口或经肛行双气囊小肠镜检查和(或)手术探查。结果:107例患者中106例(99.1%)完成胶囊内镜检查,75例(70.8%)胶囊内镜通过回盲瓣。107例中病变检出96例(89.7%)、确诊70例(65.4%)。36例中再经双气囊小肠镜检查和(或)手术后证实胶囊内镜诊断者为26例(72.2%)。2例(1.9%)发生胶囊滞留。结论:胶囊内镜对不明原因消化道出血具有较高的诊断价值,可作为病因诊断的首选筛查手段,与双气囊小肠镜联合应用可大大提高疾病的确诊率。     

Evaluation of deep small bowel involvement by double-balloon enteroscopy in Crohn's disease

OBJECTIVES: Double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) enables inspection of deep small bowel, and total small bowel examination can be performed by either antegrade or retrograde DBE. The aim of this study was to evaluate ileal involvement, which cannot be achieved using conventional colonoscopy, by DBE in patients with Crohn's disease. METHODS: From December 2003 to September 2005, a total of 44 patients with Crohn's disease underwent 53 examinations using DBE. RESULTS: Forty patients with Crohn's disease, seven women and 33 men, underwent DBE, and the ileum was investigated in 38 patients. There were 25 cases of ileitis, 2 of colitis, and 13 of ileocolitis. Jejunal lesions were found in two and ileal lesions proximal to the terminal ileum were found in 24 patients with Crohn's disease. DBE was superior to radiological study to detect aphthae, erosions, and small ulcers in the ileum. Small bowel stricture was demonstrated in six and nine patients with DBE and small bowel barium study (SBBS), respectively. An additional mucosal finding was demonstrated in one of the eight patients who underwent wireless capsule endoscopy, and one patient had a capsule removed by DBE that had become lodged because of an ileal stricture. One ileal perforation because of overtube balloon pressure occurred in 53 examinations of patients with Crohn's disease (1.9%). CONCLUSION: DBE is useful to evaluate small bowel lesions in patients with Crohn's disease; however, special attention should be paid to mesenteric longitudinal ulcers during insertion and the overtube balloon should not be inflated if a clear intestinal view is not possible.     

胶囊内镜指导双气囊内镜进镜方式的临床研究

目的评估小肠疾病诊治中胶囊内镜（CE）对双气囊内镜（DBE）进镜方式的预测作用。方法将CE完成全小肠检查且其诊断经DBE证实者纳入研究。CE检出病灶的部位以时间指数（胶囊从幽门至病灶的通过时间占胶囊从幽门至回盲瓣通过时间的比例）表示,根据以往回顾性分析的结果采用0．6作为时间指数的临界值,时间指数不超过0．6时选择经口DBE检查,反之选择经肛检查。对最终结果进行统计学分析,评估根据病灶部位cE时间指数选择DBE进镜方式的准确性。结果最终共60例患者CE完成全小肠检查且其诊断经DBE证实而纳入研究。共行60例次DBE检查,包括41例经口和19例经肛检查,所有患者CE检出病灶均经首次DBE检查证实。对所得结果进行统计显示,根据cE时间指数临界值0．6,本组患者DBE进镜方式选择的准确性为100％。结论DBE是一项有效地证实CE诊断的方法,在cE完成全小肠检查者中根据CE时间指数能够准确判断DBE的进镜方式。     

双气囊小肠镜对小肠肿瘤诊断价值的研究

传统检查方法对小肠肿瘤的诊断率一直较低,不能充分满足临床需求,双气囊小肠镜为小肠肿瘤的诊断提供了新的方法.目的：探讨双气囊小肠镜对小肠肿瘤的诊断价值.方法：选取2004年4月～2010年5月期间165例临床怀疑小肠肿瘤的患者接受双气囊小肠镜检查,其中63例、49例和53例患者同时分别接受腹部CT、消化道钡剂造影和胶囊内镜检查,比较不同检查方法对可疑小肠肿瘤的阳性检出率、敏感性和特异性.结果：双气囊小肠镜对可疑小肠肿瘤的阳性检出率明显高于腹部CT和消化道钡剂造影检查（68.5%对39.7%和46.9%,P〈0.01）,但与胶囊内镜（69.8%）相比无明显差异;双气囊小肠镜诊断小肠肿瘤的敏感性和特异性较上述三项检查方法明显升高（99.1%对42.5%、52.8%和80.6%,P〈0.01;100%对68.8%、69.2%,和45.5%,P〈0.01）,漏诊率和误诊率明显降低（P〈0.01）.结论：胶囊内镜对可疑小肠肿瘤的阳性检出率较高,但特异性较低,而双气囊小肠镜对小肠肿瘤具有较高的敏感性和特异性.因此,胶囊内镜和其他常用的检查方法可用于小肠肿瘤的初步筛查,对筛选出的可疑病灶可进一步行双气囊小肠镜以明确诊断.     

Double-balloon enteroscopy following capsule endoscopy in the management of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: outcome of a combined approach.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the relative accuracy of capsule endoscopy (CE) versus double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) to investigate obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). CE is less invasive, but DBE more directly examines the small bowel, and allows tissue sampling plus therapeutic intervention. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the yield and outcome of DBE following CE in patients with obscure GIB. METHODS: After DBE became readily available at the Centre for Therapeutic Endoscopy and Endoscopic Oncology (St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario), all patients with obscure GIB seen from December 2002 to June 2007 were evaluated identically, first with CE, then with DBE (some with further interventions). Findings, adverse outcomes and interventions are reported. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (25 women) with a mean (range) age of 64.1 years (34 to 83 years) are reported. Eight patients underwent DBE twice, for a total of 59 DBEs. Fourteen patients had overt GIB and the median (range) number of red blood cell unit transfusions was 10 (0 to 100). The positive findings for each type of lesion were compared in these 51 patients: angiodysplasia (CE 64.7% and DBE 61%, P=0.3), ulcers (CE 19.6% and DBE 18.6%, P=0.5), bleeding lesions (CE 43.1% and DBE 15.3%, P=0.0004) and mass (CE 10.2% and DBE 8.5%, P=0.5). DBE provided the advantage of therapeutic intervention: argon plasma coagulation (33 of 59 DBEs), clipping (two of 59), both argon plasma coagulation and clipping (three of 59), polypectomy (two of 59), tattooing (52 of 59) and biopsies (11 of 59). DBE detected lesions not seen by CE in 21 patients; lesions were treated in 18 patients. However, CE detected 31 lesions not seen by DBE. No major complications occurred with either examination. CONCLUSION: Overall detection rates for both techniques are similar. Each technique detected lesions not seen by the other. These data suggest that CE and DBE are complementary and that both evaluate obscure GIB more fully than either modality alone.     

MANAGEMENT OF OBSCURE GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING BASED ON THE CLASSIFICATION OF CAPSULE ENDOSCOPIC BLEEDING FINDINGS

Background: Double‐balloon endoscopy (DBE) and capsule endoscopy (CE) have been useful in managing obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). However, DBE is invasive, complex and time‐consuming, therefore indications should probably be selective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the classification of the CE bleeding findings for determining the indications and timing of DBE in patients with OGIB. Methods: From February 2003 to January 2009, 123 patients with OGIB who underwent CE were included in this study. These CE findings were classified based on the bleeding source. Type CE‐I, II, III, IV and 0 indicate active bleeding, previous bleeding, lesions without active bleeding, a lesion outside of the small bowel, and no findings, respectively. We compared diagnostic yield and outcome between the classification and the findings of DBE or enteroclysis. Results: Comparisons of the positive findings rate with DBE or enteroclysis, the treatment rate and the rebleeding rate with the classification showed: CE‐Ia, 100% (6/6), 50% (3/6), 33.3% (2/6); Ib, 66.7% (4/6), 0% (0/6), 16.7% (1/6); IIa, 33.3% (1/3), 33.3% (1/3), 33.3% (1/3); IIb, 53.8% (7/13),15.4% (2/13), 30.8% (4/13); III, 100% (84/84), 9.5% (8/84), 8.3% (7/84); IV, 100% (2/2), 50% (1/2), 0% (0/2); and 0, 0% (0/9), 0% (0/9), 0% (0/9), respectively. Conclusions: The proportion of patients requiring treatment, the positive findings rate with DBE or enteroclysis and the rebleeding rates tended to be higher in the higher ranked classification types (CE‐I > II > III > IV > 0). These findings suggest that the classification can provide useful information on determining the indications and timing of DBE.     

Clinical Practice Guideline for Enteroscopy

Management of small bowel diseases has evolved since the advent of capsule endoscopy (CE) and balloon‐assisted enteroscopy (BAE). One of the most common indications for enteroscopy is obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), followed by small bowel stenosis, tumors, and inflammatory bowel disease. Although enteroscopes have been regarded as useful tools, correct guidelines are required to ensure that we manipulate these enteroscopes safely and efficiently in clinical practice. Herein, the Japanese Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society has developed ‘Clinical Practice Guidelines for Enteroscopy’ in collaboration with the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology, the Japanese Gastroenterological Association, and the Japanese Association for Capsule Endoscopy. These guidelines are based on the evidence available until now, but small bowel endoscopy is a relatively new technology, so the guidelines include recommendations based on a consensus reached among experts when the evidence has not been considered sufficient. These guidelines were not designed to be disease‐based, but focus on how we should use small bowel CE and BAE in everyday clinical practice.     

Accuracy of community based video capsule endoscopy in patients undergoing follow up double balloon enteroscopy

AIM: To determine the test characteristics of community based video capsule endoscopy (VCE) in patients undergoing sequential VCE and double balloon enteroscopy (DBE). METHODS: Eighty-nine patients (34 females, 55 males, mean age 66) who underwent both VCE and DBE from 2008-2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Lesions detected at VCE were categorized. Capsule directed DBE followed and included 44 antegrade, 11 retrograde and 34 combined antegrade and retrograde procedures. Lesions detected were compared utilizing the McNemar’s test. RESULTS: Angioectasia detection with VCE was 25% and with DBE 35% (P < 0.03) with a calculated sensitivity and specificity of 58% and 93% respectively. Polyps were detected by VCE in 22% and in DBE 20%, (P = 0.6), with a sensitivity and specificity for VCE of 61% and 87%. Small bowel diverticula were only seen in 1% of VCE but in 12% of DBE patients (P < 0.002) with a calculated sensitivity and specificity of VCE of 9% and 100%. CONCLUSION: VCE would be moderately sensitiveand specific overall with considerable variation by lesion. Furthermore, VCE cannot be relied upon to diagnose small bowel diverticula.     

Capsule endoscopy： Current status in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

Capsule endoscopy (CE) is a safe, non invasive diagnostic modality for the evaluation of small bowel lesions. Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) is one of the most important indications of capsule endoscopy. Capsule endoscopy has a very high diagnostic yield especially if the bleeding is ongoing. This technique appears to be superior to other techniques for the detection of suspected lesions and the source of bleeding. Capsule endoscopy has been shown to change the outcome in patients with obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleed.     

Diagnostic yield and therapeutic implications of capsule endoscopy in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM: The main aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and therapeutic impact of capsule endoscopy (CE) in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). In addition, we evaluated the software of automatic detection of red zones (SBI, Given Imaging). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 2002 to June 2003, thirty-five patients with OGIB underwent capsule endoscopy after negative upper and lower digestive endoscopy. Capsule endoscopy was performed following a 12-hour fasting period and some received 2 L of PEG the night before for bowel preparation. RESULTS: CE was performed for occult (N=18) or overt (N=17) OGIB. Potentially bleeding lesions were found in 16/35 patients (45.7%). Lesions were angiodysplasias (N=8), ulcerations (N=4), tumors (N=2) and active bleeding without visible lesion (N=2). Lesions were located in gastric antrum (N=1), duodenum (N=2) and jejuno-ileum (N=13). Endoscopic (N=10), surgical (N=2) or medical (N=1) treatments were performed in 13/35 (37%). SBI was retrospectively evaluated in 24 patients with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of respectively 45%, 73%, 50% and 69%. CE retention during 10 days occurred in a patient with a small bowel NSAID-induced stricture. CONCLUSION: CE is a safe and effective procedure in the management of OGIB and had a therapeutic impact in more than one third of patients.     

A comparison between capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy using propensity score-matching analysis in patients with previous obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

Background: Recently, diagnosis of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) has improved greatly due to introduction of capsule endoscopy (CE) and double balloon enteroscopy (DBE). However, the efficacy of CE over DBE in patients with previous OGIB remains unclear. This study aimed to compare, in terms of diagnostic yield, the efficacy of DBE with that of CE in patients with previous OGIB.

Patients and methods: We enrolled 223 consecutive patients with previous OGIB who were treated between May 2007 and March 2012. We retrospectively evaluated the respective diagnostic yields of CE and DBE in patients with previous OGIB using propensity score-matching analysis. We compared the diagnostic yield of CE with that of DBE.

Results: The diagnostic yields were 41.9% in DBE group and 11.6% in CE group, respectively (p?<?.01). On logistic regression analysis, DBE was significantly superior to CE after matching (Odds ratio [OR], 4.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43–12.6; p?<?.01), even after adjustment for propensity score (OR, 5.65; 95% CI, 1.56?20.5; p?<?.01).

Conclusions: Our results indicate that DBE might be more useful and perhaps safer than CE in achieving a positive diagnosis in patients with previous OGIB.     

胶囊内镜诊断不明原因消化道出血的价值

背景：不明原因消化道出血（OGIB）的诊断是临床难题之一。随着内镜技术的革新,OGIB的诊治水平不断提高。目的：评价胶囊内镜诊断OGIB的价值。方法：回颐性分析南京鼓楼医院2003年5月～2008年4月行胶囊内镜检查的OGIB患者的资料。结果：胶囊内镜的OGIB总检出率为82．6％（228／276）。小肠病变检出率为77．5％（214／276）,其中以血管动静脉畸形（AVM）最为常见,其次为小肠占位和小肠克罗恩病（CD）。14例（5．1％）患者的出血部位位于小肠以外,其中5例位于胃内,9例为结肠病变。所有患者均未出现肠梗阻症状。与〈50岁的患者相比。≥50岁者的小肠AVM检出率显著增高（33．9％对19．6％,P=0．016）,小肠占位和寄生虫病检出率均无明显差异。男性患者的小肠CD检出率显著高于女性患者（17．1％对6．8％,P=0．018）。结论：胶囊内镜检查安全、无创伤,诊断OGIB的价值较高。OGIB以小肠AVM最为多见,其次为小肠占位和CD。     

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: single centre experience of capsule endoscopy

The advent of capsule endoscopy (CE) has resulted in a paradigm shift in the approach to the diagnosis and management of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). With increasing global availability of this diagnostic tool, it has now become an integral part of the diagnostic algorithm for OGIB in most parts of the world. However, there is scant data on optimum timing of CE for maximizing diagnostic yield. OGIB continues to be a challenge because of delay in diagnosis and consequent morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the diagnostic yield of CE in identifying the source of bleeding in patients with OGIB. We identified patients who underwent CE at our institution from May 2006 to May 2011. The patients’ medical records were reviewed to determine the type of OGIB (occult, overt), CE results and complications, and timing of CE with respect to onset of bleeding. Out of 346 patients investigated for OGIB, 246 (71.1%) had some lesion detected by CE. In 206 patients (59.5%), definite lesions were detected that could unequivocally explain the OGIB. Small bowel angiodysplasia, ulcer/erosions secondary to Crohn’s disease, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent use, and neoplasms were the commonest lesions detected. Visualization of the entire small bowel was achieved in 311 (89.9%) of cases. Capsule retention was noted in five patients (1.4%). In this study, CE was proven to be a safe, comfortable, and effective, with a high rate of accuracy for diagnosing OGIB.