diff --git a/git-review b/git-review
index ac0d1ed..dc695d4 100755
--- a/git-review
+++ b/git-review
@@ -499,7 +499,7 @@ def download_review(review, masterbranch, remote):
     checkout_cmd = "git checkout -b %s FETCH_HEAD" % branch_name
     (status, output) = run_command_status(checkout_cmd)
     if status != 0:
-        if output.endswith("already exists"):
+        if re.search("already exists\.?", output):
             print "Branch already exists - reusing"
             checkout_cmd = "git checkout %s" % branch_name
             (status, output) = run_command_status(checkout_cmd)
diff --git a/git-review.1 b/git-review.1
index f0de17a..4a0b2ee 100644
--- a/git-review.1
+++ b/git-review.1
@@ -38,6 +38,7 @@ Download
 .Ar change
 from Gerrit
 into a local branch. The branch will be named after the patch author and the name of a topic.
+If the local branch already exists, it will attempt to update with the latest patchset for this change.
 .It Fl f , Fl -finish
 Close down the local branch and switch back to the target branch on
 successful submission.