Diagnostic yield and therapeutic impact of double-balloon enteroscopy in a large cohort of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

OBJECTIVES: Double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is a novel endoscopic technique developed to investigate small bowel disease. There are limited available data on its impact in the diagnosis and management of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and therapeutic impact of DBE in the management of patients with OGIB. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of patients referred to our hospital from December 2003 to January 2005 for the investigation of overt or occult OGIB who underwent DBE after negative upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. Demographic, clinical, procedural, and outcome data were collected for analysis. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-two patients (73 women and 79 men) were studied, with a mean age of 48.2 yr. Seventeen patients presented with occult OGIB while 135 patients had overt OGIB. A total of 191 DBEs was performed. Antegrade and retrograde approaches were performed in 60 and 53 patients, respectively, and 39 patients had a combination of both routes. DBE demonstrated a potential bleeding site in 115 (75.7%) patients (102 overt, 13 occult). The more common abnormalities detected were small bowel tumors (39.1%) and angioectasia (30.4%). DBE altered management in 83.5% of patients with positive findings. Follow-up was obtained on 119 patients (mean 16 months, range 8-23 months). Of the 95 patients with follow-up and a positive DBE finding, 85 (89%) had no further rebleeding. The procedure was well tolerated with 23 patients (15.1%) experiencing mild self-limited bleeding during the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: DBE appears to have a high diagnostic yield and therapeutic impact in patients with OGIB with previously negative upper endoscopy and colonoscopy.     

Prospective evaluation of gastrointestinal tract in patients with iron-deficiency anemia

Gastrointestinal bleeding is believed to cause iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). The information concerning ideal evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract and exact findings in patients with IDA is scant. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate patients with IDA for gastrointestinal lesions potentially causing IDA at a US Army Teaching Medical Center with Gastroenterology Fellowship. Seventy patients with IDA had esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy, and if this evaluation was unremarkable, then small bowel biopsy was obtained at EGD to evaluate for celiac disease. Enteroclysis was done if endoscopic evaluation was negative. At endoscopy, at least one lesion potentially accounted for the IDA in 50 (71%) patients. At colonoscopy, 21 (30%) patients had 22 lesions (four colon cancer, seven adenoma>1 cm, six vascular malformation, four severely bleeding hemorrhoids, one ileal Crohn's); at EGD, 39 (56%) patients had 43 lesions (11 gastric erosion, 10 esophagitis, four vascular malformation, four celiac disease, three gastric cancer, three gastric ulcer, three duodenal ulcer, two gastric polyp>1 cm, one duodenal lymphoma, one esophageal cancer, and one duodenal Crohn's). Twelve (17%) patients had both upper and lower gastrointestinal tract lesions. Twenty-four of 32 (75%) patients with positive fecal occult blood test had potentially bleeding lesions compared to 24 of 38 (63%) patients with negative fecal occult blood test (P>0.05). Six of nine patients with malignancy had positive fecal occult blood test. Twenty patients with normal endoscopy and small bowel biopsy had normal enteroclysis. It is concluded that the combination of colonoscopy and EGD identifies potential bleeding sources in most patients with IDA. In the absence of a potential bleeding lesion, small bowel biopsy at EGD is essential to diagnose celiac disease.The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.     

Evaluation and outcomes of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding(OGIB) is defined as recurrent or persistent bleeding or presence of iron deficiency anaemia after evaluation with a negative bidirectional endoscopy. OGIB accounts for 5% of gastrointestinal bleeding and presents a diagnostic challenge. Current modalities available for the investigation of OGIB include capsule endoscopy, balloon assisted enteroscopy, spiral enteroscopy and computed tomography enterography. These modalities overcome the limitations of previous techniques. Following a negative bidirectional endoscopy, capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy remain the cornerstone of investigation in OGIB given their high diagnostic yield. Longterm outcome data in patients with OGIB is limited, but is most promising for capsule endoscopy. This article reviews the current literature and provides an overview of the clinical evaluation of patients with OGIB, available diagnostic and therapeutic modalities and longterm clinical outcomes.     

A prospective study of same day bi-directional endoscopy in the evaluation of patients with occult gastrointestinal bleeding

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies show conflicting results in the diagnostic yield of oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) and colonoscopy (bi-directional) in identifying potential bleeding sources (PBS) in patients investigated for occult gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). The aims of this study were to evaluate the diagnostic yield of bi-directional endoscopy in patients presenting with OGIB and to assess the factors predictive of a positive yield. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with OGIB referred to the gastroenterology unit were prospectively included in the study. Colonoscopy was immediately followed by OGD. Predetermined criteria for the diagnosis of a PBS were used. Potential clinical factors predictive of positive yield were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 219 patients (mean age 65 years, 34% M), 110 (50%) had at least one PBS. Colonoscopy revealed 87 PBS in 73 patients (33%), the most common being adenoma. OGD detected 49 PBS in 48 patients (22%), gastric ulcer being the most common. Of the patients with PBS at OGD, 23% also had a PBS at colonoscopy, including 3 patients with colonic cancers. Patients presenting with either a positive faecal occult blood test (FOBT) or iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) only had a significantly lower yield for PBS than patients with combined positive FOBT and IDA. The percentages of patients with a PBS increased substantially with age. CONCLUSIONS: A PBS was found in only 50% of the patients. Colonoscopy had a slightly higher diagnostic yield, and as expected, resulted in a significantly higher cancer detection rate than OGD. In older patients, colonoscopy should be done irrespective of the findings at OGD. Gastrointestinal-specific symptoms and the use of ASA/NSAIDs were not predictive in finding or localizing PBS.     

Yield of Upper Endoscopy in the Evaluation of Asymptomatic Patients with Hemoccult-Positive Stool after a Negative Colonoscopy

The yield of upper endoscopy in asymptomatic patients with positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and a negative colonoscopy was evaluated prospectively in 70 consecutive patients. Significant pathology was diagnosed in 19 patients (27%), eight patients with ulcers, five with arteriovenous malformations, three with esophageal or gastric varices, two with multiple erosions, and two with biopsy-proven Barrett's esophagus. Thirteen patients had iron deficiency anemia and demonstrated a 38% prevalence of significant pathology. Fifteen patients on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents had a 30% prevalence of significant pathology. No statistically significant difference was noted between subgroups. In conclusion, asymptomatic patients without a colonic source to explain a positive FOBT often have significant lesions, on upper endoscopy. Iron deficiency anemia did not have an impact on pathology. Because treatment and follow-up plans were altered in many of the cases in which significant pathology was demonstrated, we conclude that upper endoscopy should be seriously considered for all asymptomatic patients with occult gastrointestinal bleeding and a negative colonoscopic examination.     

Is upper gastrointestinal endoscopy indicated in asymptomatic patients with a positive fecal occult blood test and negative colonoscopy?

PURPOSE: There are no recommendations as to whether endoscopic evaluation of the upper gastrointestinal tract is indicated in asymptomatic patients who have a positive fecal occult blood test and a negative colonoscopy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All asymptomatic patients with a positive fecal occult blood test who were referred for diagnostic endoscopy were identified. Patient charts, endoscopy records, and pathology reports were reviewed. RESULTS: During the 5-year study period, 498 asymptomatic patients with a positive fecal occult blood test and negative colonoscopy were evaluated. An upper gastrointestinal source of occult bleeding was detected in 67 patients (13%), with peptic ulcer disease being the most common lesion identified (8%). Four patients were diagnosed with gastric cancer and 1 had esophageal carcinoma. In addition, 74 patients (15%) had lesions that were not considered a source of occult bleeding; these findings prompted a change in management in 56 patients (11%). Anemia was the only variable significantly associated with having a clinically important lesion identified (multivariate odds ratio = 5.0; 95% confidence interval 2.9 to 8.5; P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy yields important findings in asymptomatic patients with a positive fecal occult blood test and negative colonoscopy. Our data suggest that endoscopic evaluation of the upper gastrointestinal tract should be considered, especially in patients with anemia.     

Which should go first during same‐day bidirectional endosocopy with propofol sedation?

Background and Aim: Same‐day bidirectional endoscopy, including esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy, is frequently performed to screen for cancer and gastrointestinal bleeding. However, the optimal sequence for the procedures is unclear thus far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the optimal sequence for same‐day bidirectional endoscopy. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing same‐day bidirectional endoscopy under propofol sedation were randomized to either the colonoscopy‐first group (colonoscopy followed by EGD, n = 87) or the EGD‐first group (EGD followed by colonoscopy, n = 89). We evaluated the propofol dose, procedure duration, patient tolerance and recovery, adverse events, and endoscopic findings. The patient tolerance was assessed with a 0–10 visual analog scale. Results: Total procedure times, patients' tolerance and recovery, adverse events, and endoscopic findings were similar between the two groups. The total propofol dose was significantly higher for the colonoscopy‐first group than for the EGD‐first group (mean 95% credibility limit: 135.7 [70–201.4] mg vs 124.7 [64.1–185.3] mg, respectively, P = 0.024). Patients in the colonoscopy‐first group moved significantly more during colonoscopy than those in the EGD‐first group: 1.1 (0–3.8) versus 0.6 (0–2.9) scores, respectively (P = 0.024). Conclusion: The optimal sequence for same‐day bidirectional endoscopy is EGD followed by colonoscopy. In this order, the procedure is better tolerated, and patients require a lower overall dose of propofol.     

Single center experience of capsule endoscopy in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM:To identify optimum timing to maximize diagnostic yield by capsule endoscopy (CE) in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB).METHODS:We identified patients who underwent CE at our institution from August 2003 to December 2009.Patient medical records were reviewed to determine type of OGIB (occult,overt),CE results and complications,and timing of CE with respect to onset of bleeding.RESULTS:Out of 385 patients investigated for OGIB,284 (74%) had some lesion detected by CE.In 222 patients (...     

Long-term follow-up of patients with iron deficiency anemia after a close endoscopic examination of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract

BACKGROUND: In patients with Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) occult gastrointestinal bleeding is generally investigated by bidirectional endoscopy. The aim of our study was to examine the long-term follow-up of patients with IDA where the sources of bleeding couldn't be detected despite close endoscopic and radiologic examination of the GI tract. METHODS: Based on the endoscopic data base we examined consecutive patients who were referred for gastrointestinal endoscopy due to IDA with a negative endoscopic (upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy) evaluation. Further diagnostic work up (repeated endoscopy of the upper and lower GI tract by an experienced investigator, small bowel enteroclysis, push enteroscopy, proctoscopy, intraoperative enteroscopy, angiography, scintigraphic examinations) was recorded. The eligible patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (no identification of the source of bleeding in the GI tract); group 2 (source of gastrointestinal blood loss was found). Long-term follow-up was performed by telephone interview with patients and/or with their general practitioner. RESULTS: 79 patients (mean age 58.8 years [17-83, 44] female) with IDA met the inclusion criteria. In 42 patients (53%) the endoscopic and radiographic evaluation was unable to find the source of gastrointestinal blood loss. 29 of these patients (69%) showed a resolved anemia after a mean follow-up of 48 months (18 months-5 years). 10 patients had a mild anemia, 3 required blood transfusions. In group one Helicobacter pylori infection was significantly more prevalent in comparison with group 2 (57% vs. 38%, p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: Based on our data, the prognosis of IDA with negative endoscopy is favorable. The pathogenic role of Helicobacter pylori infection should be evaluated in further studies.     

A prospective study of same day bi-directional endoscopy in the evaluation of patients with occult gastrointestinal bleeding

Objective. Previous studies show conflicting results in the diagnostic yield of oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) and colonoscopy (bi-directional) in identifying potential bleeding sources (PBS) in patients investigated for occult gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). The aims of this study were to evaluate the diagnostic yield of bi-directional endoscopy in patients presenting with OGIB and to assess the factors predictive of a positive yield. Material and methods. Patients with OGIB referred to the gastroenterology unit were prospectively included in the study. Colonoscopy was immediately followed by OGD. Predetermined criteria for the diagnosis of a PBS were used. Potential clinical factors predictive of positive yield were assessed. Results. Of the 219 patients (mean age 65 years, 34% M), 110 (50%) had at least one PBS. Colonoscopy revealed 87 PBS in 73 patients (33%), the most common being adenoma. OGD detected 49 PBS in 48 patients (22%), gastric ulcer being the most common. Of the patients with PBS at OGD, 23% also had a PBS at colonoscopy, including 3 patients with colonic cancers. Patients presenting with either a positive faecal occult blood test (FOBT) or iron-deficiency anaemia (IDA) only had a significantly lower yield for PBS than patients with combined positive FOBT and IDA. The percentages of patients with a PBS increased substantially with age. Conclusions. A PBS was found in only 50% of the patients. Colonoscopy had a slightly higher diagnostic yield, and as expected, resulted in a significantly higher cancer detection rate than OGD. In older patients, colonoscopy should be done irrespective of the findings at OGD. Gastrointestinal-specific symptoms and the use of ASA/NSAIDs were not predictive in finding or localizing PBS.     

Screening for colorectal neoplasms

Testing for occult blood in stool is used frequently as a screening technique for colorectal carcinomas, but no study has ever shown an improved survival rate for colorectal carcinoma in patients screened by this method. Consequently, the authors have prospectively compared the sensitivity of endoscopy and occult blood testing in finding colorectal neoplasms. During the first year of the Surgical Endoscopy Service, 585 patients underwent sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Seventy-nine patients (13.5 percent) were excluded from the study because their occult blood status was not recorded. Patients averaged 63+10 years of age and 98 percent were men. Of the 348 patients with occult blood negative stools 55.5 percent underwent colonoscopy and 44.5 percent underwent sigmoidoscopy. Polyps were found in 25.6 percent of these patients, colorectal carcinomas in 2.6 percent, and diverticulosis 36.2 percent. Of the 158 patients with occult blood positive stool, 76.5 percent underwent colonoscopy and 23.4 percent underwent sigmoidoscopy. Polyps were discovered in 39.0 percent of these patients, colorectal carcinomas in 10.1 percent, and diverticulosis in 43.0 percent. Thus, the occult blood test was negative in 59 percent of patients with polyps and 36 percent with colorectal cancers. These data indicate that lower gastrointestinal endoscopy is superior to occult blood testing in detecting colorectal neoplasms. These results further suggest that using the occult blood test as a screening test for colorectal neoplasms will result in a significant number of these lesions being missed at an early curable stage. Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Houston, Texas, May 11 to 15, 1986.     

Yield of dual endoscopy for positive fecal occult blood test

OBJECTIVES: Dual endoscopy is frequently performed on the same day in patients whose stools are found to be positive on fecal occult blood testing (FOBT). This is often done to localize the potential sources of GI bleed. The diagnostic yield of same day dual upper endoscopy (EGD) and lower endoscopy (colonoscopy) for the detection of positive FOBT is uncertain. In the era of cost-efficient medical practice, we investigated whether a more evidence-based and structured approach could be used to guide physicians to the workup of patients who present with positive FOBT. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 309 patients, and 260 patients from this population met our inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria included FOBT without acute GI hemorrhage, hematochezia, or melena. Patients were required to have had EGD and colonoscopy within the same day (<24 h). RESULTS: Of 260 patients, a total of 135 (52%) patients had positive findings on colonoscopy and a total of 42 (16.1%) patients had positive findings on EGD. Sixteen (6.1%) had positive EGD and negative colonoscopy; 109 (42%) had positive colonoscopy and negative EGD; and 26 (10%) had positive findings on both EGD and colonoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Colonoscopy should be chosen as the initial procedure of choice in the evaluation of patients who present with positive FOBT. Same day dual endoscopy does not seem to be cost-effective.     

胶囊内镜在不明原因消化道出血诊断中的应用

背景：胶囊内镜是明确不明原因消化道出血（OGIB）的检查手段之一,其诊断率可能受到检查时机和出血自然病程的影响。目的：探讨胶囊内镜在OGIB诊断中的应用价值和最佳检查时机。方法：收集2010年10月～2012年6月厦门大学附属中山医院46例接受胶囊内镜检查的OGIB患者。回顾性分析胶囊内镜检查诊断OGIB的阳性率、疑诊率、敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值和阴性预测值,比较不同检查时机对OGIB检出率的影响。结果：胶囊内镜检查诊断OGIB的阳性率为71．7％,疑诊率为13．0％,阴性率为15．2％,诊断敏感性、特异性以及阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为96．3％、75．0％、92．9％、85．7％。活动性出血组的检出率显著高于出血停止组（96．3％对68．4％,P=0．030）,显性出血者的检出率与隐性出血者相比差异无统计学意义（100％对75．0％,P=0．148）。出血停止≤2周者的检出率显著高于出血停止〉2周者（90．9％对37．5％,P=0．041）。结论：胶囊内镜是诊断OGIB的一种安全、有效的检查手段,出血后尽早行胶囊内镜检查可能提高阳性诊断率并为进一步干预创造条件。     

Comparison of procedural sequences in same‐day bidirectional endoscopy without benzodiazepine and propofol sedation: starting at the bottom or the top

Background and Study Aims: Same‐day bidirectional endoscopy including esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy is routinely performed to evaluate anemia and gastrointestinal bleeding, as well as to conduct cancer surveillance. Numerous questions have been raised regarding the most appropriate procedural sequence and the resulting potential procedure interactions. We compared the quality and feasibility of performing EGD and colonoscopy without sedation in patients subjected to EGD‐colonoscopy (Group I) or colonoscopy‐EGD (Group II) sequences. Patients and Methods: A total of 80 patients were prospectively randomized into two groups (40:40). All EGD examinations were recorded on videotape, and the quality of 18 EGD steps was assessed by three endoscopists. In addition, we analyzed the colonoscopic parameters and subjective discomfort scores of patients. Results: Group I displayed significantly superior quality for retroflexion‐related steps (P11–13; all median of Group I vs Group II = 2:3; P < 0.01), visualization of the angular fold (P10; Group I vs Group II = 2:3; P = 0.048), and general assessment of the stomach (P17; Group I vs Group II = 2:3; P = 0.008) and upper GI tract (P15; Group I vs Group II = 2:3; P = 0.047). Colonoscopic insertion time, total time, and prolonged insertion ratio did not differ between the two groups. Questionnaire responses indicated that EGD was perceived to be more stressful in Group II sequence. Conclusions: The quality of EGD steps is influenced by the sequence of bidirectional endoscopy. EGD is perceived to be more stressful to patients when preceded by colonoscopy. Therefore, EGD followed by colonoscopy may be the preferable procedural sequence for same‐day bidirectional endoscopy.     

Occult and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: Causes and diagnostic approach in 2009

Gastrointestinal bleeding can be obscure or occult (OGIB), the causes and diagnostic approach will be discussed in this editorial. The evaluation of OGIB consists on a judicious search of the cause of bleeding, which should be guided by the clinical history and physical findings. The standard approach to patients with OGIB is to directly evaluate the gastrointestinal tract by endoscopy, abdominal computed tomography, angiography, radionuclide scanning, capsule endoscopy. The source of OGIB can be identified in 85%-90%, no bleeding sites will be found in about 5%-10% of cases. Even if the bleedings originating from the small bowel are not frequent in clinical practice (7.6% of all digestive haemorrhages, in our casuistry), they are notoriously difficult to diagnose. In spite of progress, however, a number of OGIB still remain problematic to deal with at present in the clinical context due to both the difficulty in exactly identifying the site and nature of the underlying source and the difficulty in applying affective and durable diagnostic approaches so no single technique has emerged as the most efficient way to evaluate OGIB.     

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.     

胶囊内镜对不明原因消化道出血诊断价值的评估

背景：对于不明原因消化道出血（OGIB），胶囊内镜是一种有价值的诊断方法。但迄今为止，该技术在OGIB诊断中应用的研究多限于小样本病例。目的：评价胶囊内镜对OGIB的诊断价值，确定其敏感性，特异性，阳性，阴性预测值和总诊断率。方法：2002年5月-2005年1月，对连续选取的91例OGIB患者行胶囊内镜检查94次，对胶囊排出时间，再检查，治疗，再出血，依从性和并发症等情况进行随访观察。结果：胶囊内镜检查的阳性率为74.7%，疑诊率为11.0%，阴性率为14.3%。其诊断OGIB的敏感性，特异性以及阳性，阴性预测值分别为94.6%、88.9%和80.0%，总诊断率为93.8%。检查过程中仅1例（1.1%）患者发生胶囊滞留，后经手术取出并证实为克罗恩病所致的肠腔狭窄。结论：胶囊内镜对于OGIB是一种有效而安全的检查手段，迟早行胶囊内镜检查可使患者早日明确诊断并得到及时治疗，从而改善预后。     

Double Balloon Enteroscopy Detects Small Bowel Mass Lesions Missed by Capsule Endoscopy

BACKGROUND: Small bowel mass lesions (SBML) are a relatively common cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). Their detection has been limited by the inability to endoscopically examine the entire small intestine. This has changed with the introduction of capsule endoscopy (CE) and double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) into clinical practice. STUDY AIM: To evaluate the detection of SBML by DBE and CE in patients with OGIB who were found to have SBML by DBE and underwent both procedures. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of all patients undergoing DBE for OGIB at seven North American tertiary centers was performed. Those patients who were found to have SBML as a cause of their OGIB were further analyzed. RESULTS: During an 18 month period, 183 patients underwent DBE for OGIB. A small bowel mass lesion was identified in 18 patients. Of these, 15 patients had prior CE. Capsule endoscopy identified the mass lesion in five patients; fresh luminal blood with no underlying lesion in seven patients, and non-specific erythema in three patients. Capsule endoscopy failed to identify all four cases of primary small bowel adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Double balloon enteroscopy detects small bowel mass lesions responsible for OGIB that are missed by CE. Additional endoscopic evaluation of the small bowel by DBE or intraoperative enteroscopy should be performed in patients with ongoing OGIB and negative or non-specific findings on CE.     

The role of capsule endoscopy in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

Background and study aimObscure gastrointestinal bleeding is mostly recurrent and originates in the small bowel, which can be only partially examined by conventional endoscopy. Capsule endoscopy has revolutionized the evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). The diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy in OGIB was a main concern of many studies. The aim of this study is to assess the diagnostic yield of capsule endoscopy in cases of OGIB. Capsule-related complications and degree of inter-observer variation will be recorded as well.Patients and methods54 consecutive patients suffering from OGIB, whether occult or overt, were subjected to capsule examination and data analysis.ResultsThe majority (74.1%) presented with obscure overt bleeding. Examination was complete in 68.4%. The commonest lesions were angiodysplasias (17.5%). Examinations were negative for lesions in 35.1% and hampered by limitations in 19.3%. The capsule diagnostic yield was 56.1%, while capsule retention occurred in 3.5%. The inter-observer agreement for the cause of bleeding was 91.2%.ConclusionsCapsule endoscopy proved helpful in solving the mystery of OGIB. It succeeded in diagnosing the cause of bleeding and directing further management with good compliance, high proportion of inter-observer agreement and low incidence of complications.     

A single-center experience of 260 consecutive patients undergoing capsule endoscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

OBJECTIVES: Capsule endoscopy (CE) has revolutionized the evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) but published literature is limited to small series with heterogeneous indications. The aim of this study was to determine the findings and the diagnostic yield of CE in a large series of patients with overt and occult OGIB. METHODS: Data on 260 patients who underwent CE for overt (N = 126) or occult (N = 134) OGIB were obtained by retrospective chart review and review of an internal database of CE patients and findings. RESULTS: Visualization of the entire small bowel was achieved in 74%. The majority of exams (66%) were rated as having a good or excellent prep. Clinically significant positive findings occurred in 53%. The yield of CE in the obscure-overt group was greater than in the obscure-occult group (60%vs 46%, P= 0.03). Small bowel angioectasias were the most common finding, comprising over 60% of clinically significant lesions. The mean follow-up was 9.6 months, and there were significant reductions in hospitalizations, additional tests/procedures, and units of blood transfused after CE. Both before and after CE, patients in the overt group had more significant GI bleeding than patients in the occult group. Complications occurred in five (1.9%) cases: nonnatural excretion (four) and CE impaction at cricopharyngeus (one). CONCLUSIONS: The yield of clinically important findings on CE in patients with OGIB is 53% and is greater in patients with obscure-overt than obscure-occult GI bleeding. Angioectasias account for the majority of significant lesions in both groups. Compared with pre-CE, patients had clinical improvement post-CE in medical interventions for OGIB. Complications of CE occur in less than 2% of cases.