Current insights into the diagnosis and management of small bowel bleeding

Kim, Sang Hyun; Koo, Ja Seol

doi:2026.41.5.808

Korean J Intern Med > Volume 41(5); 2026 > Article

REVIEW

Korean J Intern Med. 2026;41(5):808-818. doi: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2026.008

Current insights into the diagnosis and management of small bowel bleeding

Sang Hyun Kim¹, and Ja Seol Koo²

¹Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea
²Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Seoul, Korea

Corresponding Author: Ja Seol Koo , Tel: +82-31-412-5580, Fax: +82-31-412-5582, Email: jskoo@korea.ac.kr

Received: January 7, 2026; Revised: February 17, 2026; Accepted: March 23, 2026.

Abstract

Small bowel bleeding accounts for 5–10% of gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage and remains a diagnostic challenge because of its diverse etiologies and subtle clinical presentation. Advances in small bowel imaging have refined the diagnostic approach and have led to the replacement of the term obscure GI bleeding with suspected small bowel bleeding (SSBB) when findings on upper and lower endoscopy are unrevealing. The initial evaluation requires careful assessment of clinical history, comorbidities, medication use, and physical findings, which may help direct suspicion toward specific etiologies such as inflammatory bowel disease, Meckel’s diverticulum, angioectasia, or small bowel neoplasms. Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is currently recommended as the first-line investigation in stable patients because it offers high diagnostic accuracy, facilitates subsequent deep enteroscopy, and significantly influences clinical management. Device-assisted enteroscopy, including double-balloon, single-balloon, and spiral enteroscopy, provides both diagnostic confirmation and therapeutic intervention, and its diagnostic yield is optimized when performed within 48–72 hours of bleeding. Cross-sectional imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography, serve complementary roles, particularly in hemodynamically unstable patients or when SBCE is negative or contraindicated. Endoscopic therapy, most commonly argon plasma coagulation, remains the primary treatment for small bowel angioectasia; however, rebleeding is common, and long-term outcomes remain suboptimal. Supportive measures, including iron supplementation and blood transfusion, are essential components of care. Pharmacologic therapies, such as thalidomide or octreotide, show potential benefit; however, they are not routinely recommended. A structured, multimodal diagnostic and therapeutic strategy is therefore essential for the optimal management of SSBB.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage ; Capsule endoscopy ; Balloon enteroscopy ; Small intestine