Bleeding update.
Obscure bleeding is a consolidated indication to CE, which when used as a first-line exploration is the most efficient strategy as regards diagnosis in these patients. Patient selection and timing of the procedure are of paramount importance in the high diagnostic yield of CE. When integrated into a global patient care plan, CE is helpful in achieving effective decision-making concerning subsequent investigations and treatments. Although most studies appear to indicate a positive influence of CE diagnosis on clinical outcome of OGIB patients, large prospective trials are warranted to assess what is the most effective therapeutic strategy in patients with vascular lesions.
Pennazio
Marco
M
2nd Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology and Clinical Nutrition, S. Giovanni A.S. Hospital, Via Cavour 31-10123 Torino, Italy. mpen60@yahoo.com
D020776:Endoscopes, Gastrointestinal; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000473:pathology*; D008904:Miniaturization; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D018579:Patient Selection; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014741:Video Recording / Q000295:instrumentation*