Diagnosis and management of bleeding small bowel tumors

Abstract

The small intestine is a rare source for upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, as it accounts for only 5 % of cases. However, it is the most common cause of obscure GI bleeding and should thus be considered for all patients with GI bleeding and no source by standard endoscopic examination. Diagnosis has been historically difficult due to limited means of gaining access; however newer techniques have improved our diagnostic and therapeutic abilities. Small bowel tumors represent the second most common cause of small bowel bleeding after vascular malformations. The aim of this chapter is to examine the diagnostic and management approaches to the patient with bleeding small bowel tumors.