Capsule Endoscopy versus Push Enteroscopy in Patients with Occult Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Background Wireless capsule endoscopy is a new method enabling non-invasive diagnostic endoscopy of the entire small intestine. In this study we prospectively examined the diagnostic precision of capsule endoscopy compared with push enteroscopy in patients with occult gastrointestinal bleeding. Methods Between July 2001 and October 2002 we examined 48 patients with suspected disorders of the small intestine using capsule endoscopy. 33 patients with obscure bleeding (19 men, 14 women, mean age 58 +/- 23 years) were prospectively examined using capsule endoscopy and push enteroscopy. Results On average, the patients had been suffering from chronic gastrointestinal bleeding for 30 +/- 36 (1-12…