Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, a diagnostic challenge.

Abstract

Small intestine or mid-gastrointestinal bleeding accounts for a small percentage of all gastrointestinal haemorrhages. Its diagnosis is possible through the use of techniques such as capsule endoscopy or enteroscopy. They are referred to as obscure in origin when the origin of the bleeding cannot be determined after upper and lower endoscopic study. Moreover, they are more challenging to manage, as the small intestine is less accessible endoscopically, and in some cases, when there is haemodynamic instability or persistent bleeding, they require joint management with interventional radiology or surgery.

Keywords: obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, small intestine, jejunal diverticulum, intraoperative endoscopy.