Single-balloon enteroscope in diagnosis of suspected lesions in small intestine / 中华消化内镜杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of single balloon enteroscopy (SBE) in diagno-sing of suspected lesions in small intestine. Methods Data of 23 patients with suspected small intestinal disease, who underwent SBE (Olympus) between February 2009 and August 2009, were retrospectively studied. A total of 34 procedures were performed in 23 patients. The indications for the examination were suspected obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 9), abdominal pain (n = 7), suspected intestinal tumor re-vealed by capsule endoscopy (n = 4), and Crohn disease (n = 3). Results The average preparation time of SBE was less than 5 minutes. The mean procedure time was 61±25 minutes and 67±28 minutes for the oral and anal routes, respectively. Examination of whole length of small intestine was achieved in 6 patients. The diagnostic rate of small-intestinal lesions was 60. 9%, and no severe complications including perforation occurred. Conclusion SBE is safe and easy to prepare and perform, which can be a useful diagnostic and therapeutic tool for suspected small bowel disease.