RESUMO
ObjectiveTo investigate the diagnostic value of single balloon enteroscopy (SBE) for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.MethodsA total of 78 SBE procedures was conducted on 72 patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding,with 40 via oral route and 38 via anal route.The procedure time,insertion depth and rate of positive finding were recorded.ResultsFor 40 SBE procedures performed via oral route,the mean procedure time was 60 minutes ( 15-110 minutes),and the mean insertion depth was 195 cm at the distal end of Trentz ligament (30-240 cm).For 38 SBE procedures performed via anus,the mean procedure time was 75 minuets (30-120 minutes),and the mean insertion depth was 160 cm at the proximal end of ileocecal valve (50-200 cm ).The whole diagnostic yield of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding was 62.5％.ConclusionSBE is a safe and useful tool for the diagnosis of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.