Double balloon endoscopy in obscure GI bleeding

Abstract

Obscure GI bleeding is defined as bleeding of unknown origin that persists or recurs after negative results on upper endoscopy and colonoscopy.1 It comprises about 5% of all GI bleeding episodes, and the source of bleeding is usually in the small bowel.2 It may be categorized into 2 clinical entities: obscure occult, as manifested by recurrent iron deficiency anemia and/or positive fecal occult blood, and obscure overt, with recurrent passage of visible blood as melena or hematochezia.3