What is meant by obscure GI bleeding?
- Obscure GI bleeding, sometimes referred to as GI bleeding of obscure origin (GIBOO) , is defined as recurrent or persistent GI bleeding without identifiable source despite EGD, colonoscopy, and a radiologic examination of the small bowel.
- The obscure bleeding may be acute and gross or occult and microscopic. Obscure GI bleeding constitutes approximately 5% of all GI bleeding.
- This definition of GIBOO is becoming outdated because of improved detection by capsule endoscopy and a variety of small bowel endoscopic techniques.