Abstract:

The process of unraveling small bowel pathology by endoscopic means may be the last frontier for gastroenterologists. When the source of blood loss remains obscure after upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, small intestinal pathology becomes a considerarion. Traditionally, the 3 m of small bowel have been examined with contrast and nuclear radiology with discouraging results. Barium, smallbowel follow through x-rays have low yield. Enteroclysis is a radiographic technique using contrast and careful examination with a 10 to 25% diagnostic yield in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Nuclear bleeding scans and angiography have reported varying degrees of success.

Authors:

Jack A. DiPalma, M.D. - University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, AL

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