On the Bleeding Edge: Mastering GI Emergencies and Inpatient GI Consultation (Live and Virtual)| September 2026-Small Bowel Bleeding

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The lecture reviews the evaluation and management of suspected small-bowel bleeding after initial upper endoscopy and colonoscopy are unrevealing. A second-look examination—often push enteroscopy—can identify a source in roughly 25% of cases. The differential varies by age: younger patients are more likely to have inflammatory disease, Meckel’s diverticulum, or tumors, while older patients commonly have angioectasias, NSAID injury, or neoplasia.<br /><br />When further evaluation is needed, video capsule endoscopy has the greatest yield when performed promptly, ideally within 48–72 hours of overt bleeding. Capsule transit time can guide whether to use push, antegrade device-assisted, or retrograde enteroscopy. CTA is most useful during active, significant bleeding; tagged red-cell scans can help localize slower, intermittent bleeding.<br /><br />For enteroscopy, the speaker recommends planning procedures early, using a clear cap, marking the first blood or treatment site with clips, and tattooing relevant locations. Angioectasias can be treated with carefully applied APC, taking precautions to limit small-bowel injury.<br /><br />Recurrent angioectasia bleeding may require more than repeated endoscopic treatment. Management can include reviewing anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy with cardiology, iron replacement, and—when appropriate—medical therapies such as octreotide or thalidomide. The central message is to choose timely, patient-specific testing and combine endoscopic treatment with strategies to reduce recurrent bleeding, transfusions, and hospitalizations.

Asset Subtitle

Melissa Debordeaux, MD, MS, FASGE

Keywords

small-bowel bleeding

video capsule endoscopy

push enteroscopy

angioectasia

computed tomography angiography

Meckel’s diverticulum

octreotide