[Algorithm for the diagnosis of small intestinal disease].

This article describes algorithm for the diagnosis of small intestinal disease. In case of massive small intestinal bleeding, angiography or double balloon endoscopy should be done firstly under the observation of vital sign and general condition. On the other hand, we have to select capsule endoscopy as a first-line examination in patients with mild or moderate small intestinal bleeding, and thereafter, double balloon endoscopy would be done for the decision of the diagnosis. If the patients are suspected of having stricture of the small intestine, they will initially undergo small intestinal radiography associated with or without abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography. In addition, small intestinal radiography will be performed as a first-line examination in patients having abdominal symptom or occult blood stool without overt gastrointestinal bleeding, and as a subsequent examination, double balloon endoscopy and capsule endoscopy may be done.