Capsule endoscopy in the evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: a comprehensive review.

Historically, the evaluation of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) has been often suboptimal, due to the limited ability to adequately image the small bowel. However, over the past several years, significant improvements have been made in small-bowel imaging techniques, both endoscopically and radiologically. Since the introduction of capsule endoscopy (CE) in particular, the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to OGIB have improved significantly. Capsule-based technology has enabled a more rapid and accurate diagnosis of many small-bowel disorders. Capsule endoscopy is safe and well tolerated. Many prospective comparative studies have shown that the diagnostic yield of CE is superior compared to other endoscopic and radiologic modalities. Numerous other studies have also shown that CE leads to a significant change in management and improved outcomes.