Recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding due to angiodysplasias in the small bowel. Experience with panendoscopic diagnosis and treatment in 6 patients.

Detection of bleeding from angiodysplasias located in the small bowel remains a diagnostic challenge. Intraoperative panendoscopy of the small bowel is a safe method with high diagnostic yield. The experience with this technique in 6 patients with overt bleeding or melena is described. During the panendoscopy a suture technique was used as therapeutic modality. This method is easy, cheap, does not require special skills or instruments, and the result is seen immediately.