[Endoscopy of the small intestine without tube or enema? A video capsule makes it possible].

The diagnosis of unclear bleeding in the small bowel remains a gastroenterological problem. To date, the diagnostic approach routinely employed has been roentgen Sellink. With such newer techniques as magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) substantially more diagnostic information can now be obtained. A recent new development is capsule endoscopy, which is intended for use when conventional endoscopic examinations fail to identify the source of bleeding. Using this new option in the Ludwigshafen Klinikum the small bowel lesions were discovered in 81% of the 26 patients in whom they had been previously remained undetected. At present, the patients have to bear the cost of this examination themselves.