Device-assisted enteroscopy performance measures in the United Kingdom: DEEP-UK quality improvement project

BACKGROUND

Device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) has become a well-established diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the management of small-bowel pathology. We aimed to evaluate the performance measures for DAE across the UK against the quality benchmarks proposed by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE).

METHODS

We retrospectively collected data on patient demographics and DAE performance measures from electronic endoscopy records of consecutive patients who underwent DAE for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes across 12 enteroscopy centers in the UK between January 2017 and December 2022.

RESULTS

A total of 2005 DAE procedures were performed in 1663 patients (median age 60 years; 53% men). Almost all procedures (98.1%) were performed for appropriate indications. Double-balloon enteroscopy was used for most procedures (82.0%), followed by single-balloon enteroscopy (17.2%) and spiral enteroscopy (0.7%). The estimated depth of insertion was documented in 73.4% of procedures. The overall diagnostic yield was 70.0%. Therapeutic interventions were performed in 42.6% of procedures, with a success rate of 96.6%. Overall, 78.0% of detected lesions were marked with a tattoo. Patient comfort was significantly better with the use of deep sedation compared with conscious sedation (99.7% vs. 68.5%; P<0.001). Major adverse events occurred in only 0.6% of procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Performance measures for DAE in the UK meet the ESGE quality benchmarks, with high diagnostic and therapeutic yields, and a low incidence of major adverse events. However, there is room for improvement in optimizing sedation practices, standardizing the depth of insertion documentation, and adopting marking techniques to aid in the follow-up of detected lesions.

A newly developed deep learning-based system for automatic detection and classification of small bowel lesions during double-balloon enteroscopy examination

BACKGROUND

Double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is a standard method for diagnosing and treating small bowel disease. However, DBE may yield false-negative results due to oversight or inexperience. We aim to develop a computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) system for the automatic detection and classification of small bowel abnormalities in DBE.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 5201 images were collected from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University to construct a detection model for localizing lesions during DBE, and 3021 images were collected to construct a classification model for classifying lesions into four classes, protruding lesion, diverticulum, erosion & ulcer and angioectasia. The performance of the two models was evaluated using 1318 normal images and 915 abnormal images and 65 videos from independent patients and then compared with that of 8 endoscopists. The standard answer was the expert consensus.

RESULTS

For the image test set, the detection model achieved a sensitivity of 92% (843/915) and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.947, and the classification model achieved an accuracy of 86%. For the video test set, the accuracy of the system was significantly better than that of the endoscopists (85% vs. 77 ± 6%, p < 0.01). For the video test set, the proposed system was superior to novices and comparable to experts.

CONCLUSIONS

We established a real-time CAD system for detecting and classifying small bowel lesions in DBE with favourable performance. ENDOANGEL-DBE has the potential to help endoscopists, especially novices, in clinical practice and may reduce the miss rate of small bowel lesions.

Crohn's disease with multiple jejunum and ileum lesions: A case report

Crohn's disease (CD) affecting the jejunum and ileum is uncommon and its diagnosis can be challenging. This case report describes a 35 year old male patient who had been e xper iencing intermi ttent periu mbilica l pain , di arrho ea and fever for five years. Despite undergoing gastroscopy, co lo noscopy and capsule endoscopy; no s ignific ant abnormal ities were found. This case was se en at the Shenzhen Ho spital of Traditional Chinese Medi ci ne; Shenzhen, China. However, the pa tient u nder went a doubl e-balloon enteroscopy (DBE), which revealed multip le ulcers in the jejunum and ileum, leadin g to a confirmed diagnosis of CD. The patient was successfully treated with infliximab t o rel ieve sy mptoms. DBE can be par ticularly valuable in diagnosing CD in young patients with symptoms when conventional endoscopic techniques have been unsuccessfu l. This case highlights the impor tance of considering small bowel disease in patients wit h CD symptoms and the potential benefits of DBE in diagnosing such cases.

Effectiveness and safety of novel motorized spiral enteroscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Motorized spiral enteroscopy (MSE) is a novel advance in small bowel examination that is characterized as fast with a deep insertion. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effectiveness and safety of MSE.

METHODS

Relevant articles that were published before November 1, 2022 were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and the Web of Science. The technical success rate (TSR), total (pan)-enteroscopy rate (TER), depth of maximum insertion (DMI), diagnostic yield, and adverse events were extracted and analyzed. Forest plots were graphed based on random effects models.

RESULTS

A total of 876 patients from 8 studies were eligible for analysis. The pooled results of the TSR were 95.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 91.0-98.0%, I2 = 78%, p < 0.01] and the pooled outcome of the TER was 43.1% (95% CI 24.7-62.5%, I2 = 95%, p < 0.01). The pooled results of the diagnostic and therapeutic yields were 77.2% (95% CI 69.0-84.5%, I2 = 84%, p < 0.01) and 49.0% (95% CI 38.0-60.1%, I2 = 89%, p < 0.01), respectively. The pooled estimates of adverse and severe adverse events were 17.2% (95% CI 11.9-23.2%, I2 = 75%, p < 0.01) and 0.7% (95% CI 0.0-2.1%, I2 = 37%, p = 0.13), respectively.

CONCLUSION

MSE is a novel alternative approach for small bowel examination that can achieve high TER and diagnostic and therapeutic yields, and relatively low rates of severe adverse events. Head-to-head studies comparing MSE and other device-assisted enteroscopies are warranted.

The evolving role of device-assisted enteroscopy: The state of the art as of August 2023

Device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE), balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) in particular, has become a routine endoscopic procedure which has revolutionized our approach to small-bowel disease. Evidence demonstrating the efficacy and safety of BAE spans over 22-years of experience, making it an established pillar of minimally invasive care. The robust evidence for BAE's safety and efficacy has now been incorporated into international clinical guidelines, technical reviews, benchmarking performance measures and curricula. The more recently introduced motorized spiral enteroscopy (MSE) which had replaced the previous manual version, abruptly ended its 7-year stint in clinical practice, when it was withdrawn and recalled from the market by its manufacturing company in July 2023, due to several associated serious adverse events (including fatalities). This article, written by the original developer of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and other recognized international experts and pioneers in this field, focuses mainly on the technical aspects, evolving indications, and equipment-related technological advances. Despite the very recent withdrawal of MSE from clinical practice, for completeness, this technology and its technique is still briefly covered here, albeit importantly, along with a short description of reported, associated, serious adverse events which have contributed to its withdrawal/recall from the market and clinical practice.

An Unusual Small Bowel Phytobezoar Successfully Resolved by Double-balloon Enteroscopy

We herein report a very unusual case of small bowel obstruction caused by phytobezoar in a 69-year-old woman who consumed a large amount of bracken. The patient presented with nausea and vomiting. Computed tomography revealed an air-filled foreign body in the jejunum that had likely caused the small bowel obstruction. A fibrous foreign body diagnosed as a phytobezoar was detected using double-balloon enteroscopy. The obstruction was successfully resolved by crushing the phytobezoar repeatedly using a snare. Small bowel obstructions caused by phytobezoars are often treated with surgical interventions. However, endoscopic fragmentation using a snare is a minimally invasive treatment alternative.

Superior outcomes with double-balloon enteroscopy for small bowel lesion marking followed by intracorporeal as opposed to extracorporeal resection and reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is used for the diagnosis and therapy of small bowel disease. Endoscopic sampling and marking small bowel lesions destined for surgery permit intracorporeal resection and reconstruction (IRR), thereby facilitating a complete minimally invasive technique. There are limited data that compare outcomes of IRR to conventional extracorporeal resection and reconstruction (ERR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes of patients undergoing pre-operative DBE for lesion marking followed by laparoscopic IRR compared to those undergoing ERR.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent DBE followed by small bowel resection from 2006 to 2017 at a single tertiary care medical center. IRR was defined as laparoscopic inspection to identify the lesion (previously marked by DBE or by laparoscopic-assisted DBE) followed by intra-abdominal bowel resection and anastomosis with specimen extraction via minimal extension of a laparoscopic port site. ERR was defined as extracorporeal resection and/or reconstruction performed via a conventional or mini-laparotomy abdominal incision.

RESULTS

A total of 82 patients met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Thirty-two patients (39%) had ERR and 50 patients (61%) had IRR. The most common indications for DBE were small bowel bleeding (76%) and small bowel mass or thickening on prior imaging studies (16%). Successful DBE was higher in the IRR group when compared to the ERR group, but not significantly different (90% vs 75%, p-value 0.07). Patients who underwent IRR had faster bowel function recovery (2 vs 4 days, p < 0.01), shorter time to discharge (3 vs 7 days, p < 0.01), and fewer post-operative complications (10 vs 18; p < 0.01), when compared to the ERR group.

CONCLUSION

DBE successfully facilitated laparoscopic small bowel IRR and this approach was associated with faster return of bowel function, shorter recovery time, and decreased morbidity when compared to ERR.

Successful Endoscopic Sclerotherapy Using Polidocanol for Small Bowel Hemangioma

Small-bowel hemangiomas are a possible source of gastrointestinal bleeding for which there is no established treatment approach. In this report, we describe the case of a 58-year-old woman who presented with hematochezia and who was diagnosed with small bowel hemangioma. She was successfully treated using endoscopic sclerotherapy. Initial capsule endoscopy revealed bleeding in the ileum. Subsequent double-balloon enteroscopy showed a 2-cm, bluish-purple, ileal submucosal tumor with an overlying protrusion. The lesion was responsible for the hematochezia and was treated with intralesional injection of polidocanol. The hematochezia completely resolved and at 4 months after sclerotherapy, the size of the lesion was significantly reduced.

Potential Factors Affecting Results of Short-Type Double-Balloon Endoscope-Assisted Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND

Short-type double-balloon endoscope (DBE)-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been developed as an alternative approach for cases with a surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy. However, this technique is sometimes technically challenging and carries a risk of severe adverse events.

AIMS

To evaluate the factors affecting the technical success rate and adverse events of DBE-ERCP.

METHODS

A total of 319 patients (805 procedures) with a surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy underwent short DBE-ERCP. The factors affecting the technical success rate and adverse events, and the learning curve of the trainees were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

The technical success rate of all procedures was 90.7%. Adverse events occurred in 44 (5.5%) procedures. A multivariate analysis indicated that Roux-en-Y reconstruction and first-time short DBE-ERCP were factors affecting the technical failure and adverse event rates, while the modified Child method after subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy reconstruction was a non-risk factor for adverse events. The trainee caseload did not affect the technical success or adverse event rates significantly; however, trainees tended to perform cases involving the modified Child method after subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy reconstruction. The success rate of scope insertion increased according to experience; however, the overall success rate did not differ to a statistically significant extent.

CONCLUSION

Short DBE-ERCP was useful and safe for managing cases with a surgically altered anatomy; however, trainees should concentrate on accumulating experience with easy cases, such as those with the modified Child method after subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy reconstruction or a history of DBE-ERCP.

Primary experience of small bowel polypectomy with balloon-assisted enteroscopy in young pediatric Peutz-Jeghers syndrome patients

For Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) patients, small bowel polyps develop and result in symptoms at an early age. Balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) is verified as a safe and efficient choice to evaluate and remove small intestinal polyps in adult PJS. But the safety of BAE, especially BAE-facilitated polypectomy for young pediatrics, is little known. This prospective study focused on the effectiveness and safety of BAE-facilitated polypectomy in small bowel for young pediatric PJS. PJS patients (aged 0-14 years old) with BAE (including both single-balloon and double-balloon enteroscopies) were included from 1 September 2012 to 30 April 2018. The demographic data, medical history, and details of BAE were recorded. BAE-related complications and symptom relief after BAE were evaluated and compared between the PJS patients aged 5-10 years old (the younger pediatric group) and those aged 11-14 years old (the older pediatric group). A total of 41 pediatric PJS patients (5-14 years old) subjected to 82 BAEs were included. BAE-facilitated polypectomy was performed for 33 children (80.5%), and 242 polyps in small bowel were removed. For 10 (24.4%) patients, one or more giant polyps (maximum diameter larger than 5 cm) were removed. For eight patients, no polypectomy was done as no polyps were observed (six subjects) or not suitable for BAE-facilitated polypectomy (two subjects) because of high risk of perforation. The complication rates of BAE and BAE-facilitated polypectomy were 1.2% (1/82) and 1.8% (1/55), and the symptom relief rate was 70.8% (17/24). Compared with the older pediatric group, the younger pediatric group showed no increased BAE complication rate (0.0% vs. 5.0%, p = 0.488) and a comparable rate of symptom relief after BAE therapy (80.8% vs. 55.6%, p = 0.356).Conclusion: BAE-facilitated polypectomy in young pediatric PJS is safe and effective.What is known:• Small bowel evaluation and prophetic polypectomy are important for pediatric PJS patients to avoid polyp-related intussusception, obstruction, and bleeding.• BAE polypectomy was a recommended intervention for removing small bowel polyps in adult PJS patients.What is new:• BAE-facilitated small bowel polypectomy is safe and effective for young pediatric PJS, even for those aged less than 10 years old.

Double-balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for patients who underwent liver operation: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Double-balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (DB-ERC) is widely performed for biliary diseases after reconstruction in gastrointestinal surgery, but there are few reports on DB-ERC after hepatectomy or living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

AIM

To examine the success rates and safety of DB-ERC after hepatectomy or LDLT.

METHODS

The study was performed retrospectively in 26 patients (45 procedures) who underwent hepatectomy or LDLT (liver operation: LO group) and 40 control patients (59 procedures) who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy (control group). The technical success (endoscope reaching the choledochojejunostomy site), diagnostic success (performance of cholangiography), therapeutic success (completed interventions) and overall success rates, insertion and procedure (completion of DB-ERC) time, and adverse events were compared between these groups.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between LO and control groups in the technical [93.3% (42/45) vs 96.6% (57/59), P = 0.439], diagnostic [83.3% (35/42) vs 83.6% (46/55), P = 0.968], therapeutic [97.0% (32/33) vs 97.7% (43/44), P = 0.836], and overall [75.6% (34/45) vs 79.7% (47/59), P = 0.617] success rates. The median insertion time (22 vs 14 min, P < 0.001) and procedure time (43.5 vs 30 min, P = 0.033) were significantly longer in the LO group. The incidence of adverse events showed no significant difference [11.1% (5/45) vs 6.8% (4/59), P = 0.670].

CONCLUSION

DB-ERC after liver operation is safe and useful but longer time is required, so should be performed with particular care.

Blind Pouch Syndrome-associated Anastomotic Ulcer Diagnosed with Capsule and Double-balloon Endoscopy

Blind pouch syndrome-associated anastomotic ulcer is rare, and its endoscopic features remain poorly described. A 79-year-old man was referred to our hospital for melena. Capsule endoscopy revealed multiple ulcers in the small intestine. Double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) and a gastrografin examination through DBE revealed a potential anastomotic ulcer, a blind pouch, and a side-to-side anastomosis in the middle of the small intestine. Laparoscopic partial resection of the small intestine with anastomosis was performed on the suspected blind pouch syndrome-associated anastomotic ulcer. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the endoscopic features of a blind pouch syndrome-associated anastomotic ulcer.

Usefulness of Capsule Endoscopy and Double-balloon Enteroscopy for the Diagnosis of Multiple Carcinoid Tumors in the Small Intestine: Case Reports and a Literature Review

The incidence of carcinoid tumor in the small intestine is increasing; however, its preoperative diagnosis is difficult. We recently experienced three cases of multiple carcinoid tumors in the small intestine successfully detected using capsule endoscopy (CE), followed by a pathological diagnosis using double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE). To diagnose multiple carcinoid in the small intestine appropriately, we reviewed the information of five cases reported to date along with our three recent cases. The literature review demonstrated that CE and DBE are useful for detecting and diagnosing small intestinal carcinoids and tumor multiplicity, which aids in determining the appropriate resection range.

A case of gossypiboma diagnosed with transanal double-balloon enteroscopy

Gossypiboma is an iatrogenic granuloma caused by retained surgical gauze. A 48-year-old woman with a history of cesarean section was incidentally found to have a pelvic mass on preoperative computed tomography examination for pectus excavatum. Abdominal enhanced computed tomography showed a 40-mm mass containing air in the pelvis. The mass was suspected to be continuous with the ileum. Transanal double-balloon enteroscopy showed a small fistula that was likely caused by penetration of the ileum dozens of centimeters from the ileocecal valve. A yellow–brown, movable, and fibrous body was found in the fistula. A part of the fibrous body was extracted with forceps. Pathological examination revealed that it was gauze. This is the first reported case of an asymptomatic gossypiboma penetrating the ileum that was diagnosed with double-balloon enteroscopy. Our results suggest that double-balloon enteroscopy is useful for early diagnosis of pelvic mass penetrating intestine, including gossypiboma.

The Role of Double-balloon Enteroscopy in the Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Metastatic Small Bowel Tumors

Objective The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of double-balloon enteroscopy in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of metastatic small bowel tumors. Patients We retrospectively reviewed the records of 13 patients with metastatic small bowel tumors among 376 patients who underwent double-balloon enteroscopy from June 2005 to March 2017 in our hospital. Results The primary lesion sites were the lung (n=9), kidney (n=2), stomach (n=1) and duodenum (n=1). The clinical presentations were anemia requiring blood transfusion (n=10), obstructive symptoms (n=2), and no symptoms (n=1). The locations of the metastatic small bowel tumors were the jejunum (n=7), ileum (n=1), and both sites (n=5). The histological diagnosis of the metastatic tumor was made from biopsy specimens taken with double-balloon enteroscopy from all 11 patients whose condition permitted a biopsy. In seven patients, the findings on double-balloon endoscopy were determinants of the kind and extent of surgical treatment performed. Four patients had multiple metastatic small bowel tumors, and all were able to be removed surgically with guidance from preoperative tattooing at double-balloon endoscopy. After operation, blood transfusions were no longer needed in four of six patients who had required preoperative transfusions for the treatment of anemia, and one patient with intestinal obstructive symptoms was able to resume oral intake. Conclusion Double-balloon endoscopy was useful for making a histological diagnosis and directing surgical treatment in patients with metastatic small bowel tumors. Surgical treatment afforded palliation of symptoms in five patients.

Experience of double balloon enteroscopy

BACKGROUND

To evaluated the experiences of double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

METHODS

From October 2003 to November 2009, a total of 124 patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding were investigated using DBE. A total of 142 procedures (84 per oral and 58 per rectal route) were performed by the same endoscopist.

RESULTS

The average insertion time was 71.4 (20-199) minutes per-orally; the average insertion time was 139.2 min for the first 5 procedures, 109.4 min for 6-10 procedures, 76.6 min for 11-15, 66.4 min for 16-20, 67.4 min for 21-25, 59 min for 26-30, 66 min for 31-35, 52 min for 36-40, 42.9 min for 41-45, 44.6 min for 46-50, 42.2 min for 51-55, 38.6 min for 56-60, 44.6 min for 61-65, 37.8 min for 66-70, 38.8 min for 71-75, 44.3 min for 76-80, and 36.6 min for 61-84 procedures; there was no statistical difference after the first ten procedures. The average insertion time was 92.1 (22-260) minutes per-rectally; the average insertion time was 159.6 min for the first 5 procedures, 98.4 min for 6-10 procedures, 86.6 min for 11-15, 76.4 min for 16-20, 82.4 min for 21-25, 75.0 min for 26-30, 78.2 min for 31-35, 72.4 min for 36-40, 68.2 min for 41-45, 66.9 min for 45-50, and 71.4 min for 51-58 procedures; there was no statistical difference after the first five procedures. For the different genders these was no statistically significant difference. There were no differences regarding the diagnostic yield between the previous factors. The overall diagnostic yield was 82.4%.

CONCLUSION

DBE is a safe and effective means of diagnosing and managing patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. However, because of its time-consuming, DBE has a learning curve to overcome before a physician can become an expert to achieve adequate insertion times with good diagnostic and therapeutic rates.

Double-balloon enteroscopy-assisted dilatation avoids surgery for small bowel strictures: A systematic review

AIM

To evaluate the therapeutic role of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in small bowel strictures and to propose a standard approach to small bowel strictures.

METHODS

Systematic review of studies involving DBE in patients with small bowel strictures. Only studies limited to small bowel strictures were included and those with ileo-colonic strictures were excluded.

RESULTS

In total 13 studies were included, in which 310 patients were dilated. The average follow-up time was 31.8 mo per patient. The complication rate was 4.8% per patient and 2.6% per dilatation. Surgery was avoided in 80% of patients. After the first dilatation, 46% were treated with re-dilatation and only 17% required surgery.

CONCLUSION

DBE-assisted dilatation avoids surgery in 80% of patients with small bowel strictures and is safe and effective. We propose a standardized approach to small bowel strictures.

Single-Balloon Enteroscopy

Single-balloon enteroscopy is among 3 device-assisted enteroscopy systems on the market. Compared with double-balloon enteroscopy, no significant difference in diagnostic yield was found. Additionally, no significant difference was found in oral and anal insertion depth, adverse events, or procedure times. Some studies observed lower complete enteroscopy rates, which have evidently no diagnostic impact. With a learning curve of around 30 procedures, the single-balloon endoscope is a safe endoscopic tool, which seems equally suitable for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Carbon dioxide should be used for single-balloon endoscopy procedures, especially in patients with a history of surgical abdominal interventions.

Double-balloon enteroscopy in small bowel diseases: Eight years single-center experience in China

The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic value of double-balloon entoroscopy (DBE) in small bowel diseases (SBDs) in China.A retrospective review of 674 consecutive patients who underwent DBE between January 2007 and November 2015 was conducted. Patients were divided into 3 groups by age, young group (<45 years), middle-aged group (45-65 years), and elderly group (>65 years). Data were collected with regard to demographics, clinical, endoscopic findings, complications, diagnostic yield, and management.A total of 729 DBE procedures were performed successfully in our series. More than 20 types of SBDs were found with the detection rate of 70.9%(517/729). The majority of patients were Crohn's disease (33.4%,225/674), followed by tumor (18.8%,127/674) and angioectasia (7.9%, 53/674). Endoscopic treatment was performed in 60 patients in which hemostasis (17,28.3%) and polypectomy (15,25%) were the predominant form of intervention used. Adverse events occurred in 6 patients (0.96%,6/729) including perforation, hemorrhage, aspiration pneumonia. No acute pancreatitis or other major complications occurred. Adenocarcinoma, GIST, and lymphoma were the most common tumor detected, the majority of tumors located in the jejunum (56.7%), The detection rate of angioectasia was also higher in the jejunum (54.7%),77.8% of Crohn's disease was located in the ileum. The positive rate of DBE in small bowel tumor and Crohn's disease were significantly higher than that of angioectasia (P<0.05). In young cohort, Crohn's disease (48.1%) was the most commonly diseases followed by tumor (10.4%) and nonspecific enteritis (7.1%). Yet in the elderly group, the majority of patients were tumor (27.6%); angioectasia (21.3%) was also detected frequently. The positive rate of capsule endoscopy was 75.44 %(202/268) which was a little high than DBE (67.9%, 182/268) (P > 0.05). The obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) was the most common indication, and the diagnostic yield was 71.8%.DBE is a useful diagnostic and therapeutic tool with high clinical practice value for the investigation of SBDs. With growing experience of endoscopist, we believe that DBE must be kept in mind as the first-line modality for suspected SBDs.

Minimally invasive treatment of difficult bleeding lesions of the small bowel

BACKGROUND

Bleeding lesions of the small bowel are often difficult to identify due to the obscure symptomatology. Localizing these lesions requires specific techniques. The Double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) could be used to precisely localize and mark lesions, so that a minimally invasive surgical treatment could be performed.

METHODS

Twenty robot-assisted small bowel procedures are presented using a combination of DBE for localization and robotic resection.

RESULTS

There were 10 jejunal resections and 10 ileal resections. Mean age was 58.7 years. Mean operative time was 153.4 minutes, mean blood loss of 46 mL. No conversion-to-open and there were 4 post-operative complications. The 90-day mortality was nil and the median length of stay was 4.1 days. Final pathology was consistent with malignancy in 10 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of double-balloon enteroscopy and robotic technology allows accurate identification and selective treatment of lesions that could be otherwise difficult to treat in a minimally invasive fashion.

Inverted Meckel's diverticulum preoperatively diagnosed using double-balloon enteroscopy

An inverted Meckel's diverticulum is a rare gastrointestinal congenital anomaly that is difficult to diagnose prior to surgery and presents with anemia, abdominal pain, or intussusception. Here, we report the case of 57-year-old men with an inverted Meckel's diverticulum, who was preoperatively diagnosed using double-balloon enteroscopy. He had repeatedly experienced epigastric pain for 2 mo. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed intestinal wall thickening in the pelvis. Double-balloon enteroscopy via the anal route was performed for further examination, which demonstrated an approximately 8-cm, sausage-shaped, submucosal tumor located approximately 80 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve. A small depressed erosion was observed at the tip of this lesion. Forceps biopsy revealed heterotopic gastric mucosa. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with an inverted Meckel's diverticulum, and single-incision laparoscopic surgery was performed. This case suggests that an inverted Meckel's diverticulum should be considered as a differential diagnosis for a submucosal tumor in the ileum. Balloon-assisted enteroscopy with forceps biopsy facilitate a precise diagnosis of this condition.

Inverted Meckel’s diverticulum preoperatively diagnosed using double-balloon enteroscopy

An inverted Meckel’s diverticulum is a rare gastrointestinal congenital anomaly that is difficult to diagnose prior to surgery and presents with anemia, abdominal pain, or intussusception. Here, we report the case of 57-year-old men with an inverted Meckel’s diverticulum, who was preoperatively diagnosed using double-balloon enteroscopy. He had repeatedly experienced epigastric pain for 2 mo. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed intestinal wall thickening in the pelvis. Double-balloon enteroscopy via the anal route was performed for further examination, which demonstrated an approximately 8-cm, sausage-shaped, submucosal tumor located approximately 80 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve. A small depressed erosion was observed at the tip of this lesion. Forceps biopsy revealed heterotopic gastric mucosa. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with an inverted Meckel’s diverticulum, and single-incision laparoscopic surgery was performed. This case suggests that an inverted Meckel’s diverticulum should be considered as a differential diagnosis for a submucosal tumor in the ileum. Balloon-assisted enteroscopy with forceps biopsy facilitate a precise diagnosis of this condition.

Balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP in patients with Roux-en-Y gastrectomy and intact papillae (with videos)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP has provided a marked improvement in the success rate of reaching the papilla and consecutive ERCP procedures in patients with surgically altered anatomy in the Roux-en-Y reconstruction setting. However, limited data are available on the outcome of balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP in patients with Roux-en-Y anatomy who have naïve papillae. We retrospectively evaluated the feasibility of balloon enteroscopy-assisted ERCP in Roux-en-Y reconstruction after total or subtotal gastrectomy (RYG) with native papillae.

METHODS

We performed 123 ERCP procedures in 109 patients with RYG. Among these patients, 90 consecutive ERCPs in 90 patients with native papillae were included. When selective biliary cannulation failed, the double-guidewire technique, the precut technique, or the rendezvous technique were performed as advanced cannulation methods.

RESULTS

The overall success rate of reaching the papilla was 93.5% (115/123). The total procedure success rate was 88.1% (96/109). The adverse event rate was 7.3% (8/109). The success rate of the standard cannulation of the intact papilla was 67.8% (61/90). The final cannulation success rate was 95.6% (86/90) by using advanced cannulation methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Standard cannulation of the intact papilla in RYG cases remains challenging and uncertain. The use of various advanced cannulation methods improves the deep cannulation rate. Once selective cannulation succeeds, the treatment success rate is very high.

Enteroscopy

Noninvasive imaging with CT and magnetic resonance enterography or direct visualization with wireless capsule endoscopy can provide valuable diagnostic information and direct therapy. Enteroscopy technology and techniques have evolved significantly and allow diagnosis and therapy deep within the small bowel, previously attainable only with intraoperative enteroscopy. Push enteroscopy, readily available in most endoscopy units, plays an important role in the evaluation and management of lesions located up to the proximal jejunum. Currently available device-assisted enteroscopy systems, DBE, SBE, and spiral enteroscopy each have their technical nuances, clinical advantages, and limitations. Newer, on-demand enteroscopy systems appear promising, but further studies are needed. Despite slight differences in parameters such as procedural times, depths of insertion, and rates of complete enteroscopy, the overall clinical outcomes with all overtube-assisted systems appear to be similar. Endoscopists should therefore master the enteroscopy technology based on institutional availability and their level of technical expertise.

A prospective comparison of performance during back-to-back, anterograde manual spiral enteroscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy

BACKGROUND

Spiral enteroscopy is a recently introduced technology alternative to balloon-assisted enteroscopy for examination of the small bowel.

AIM

To compare small bowel insertion depths and procedure duration by spiral enteroscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy performed in the same cohort of patients, in immediate succession, using the same method of insertion depth estimation.

METHODS

A prospective, back-to-back comparative study was performed in 15 patients. Spiral enteroscopy procedures were performed first and a tattoo was placed to mark the most distal point.

RESULTS

Double-balloon enteroscopy passed the tattoo placed at spiral enteroscopy in 14/15 cases (93%). Median insertion depths for double-balloon enteroscopy and spiral enteroscopy were 265cm and 175cm, respectively (P=0.004). Median time to achieve maximal depth of insertion was significantly shorter for spiral enteroscopy compared with double-balloon enteroscopy (24min vs. 45min, respectively; P=0.0005). However, in 14 patients no differences were found in median time to reach the same insertion depth (P=0.28).

CONCLUSION

Double-balloon enteroscopy achieved significantly greater small bowel insertion depth than spiral enteroscopy. Although overall double-balloon enteroscopy procedure duration was longer, the time taken to reach the same small bowel insertion depth by both spiral enteroscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy was similar.

[Application of double balloon enteroscopy in diagnosis of small bowel diseases]

INTRODUCTION

Double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is one of the newest among endoscopic techniques used in diagnosis of the digestive tract diseases--particularly in small bowel's lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The retrospective analysis of patients' data from 2008 to 2012 in the Department of Digestive Tract Diseases, UM was made. Case histories were analised and evaluated for sex, age, clinical symptoms, results of additional examinations and indications. The course of the examination, its result, complications and role in final diagnosis were also checked.

RESULTS

During the analysed period DBE was attempted 71 times DBE among 42 patients (17 women and 25 men; the age was 44.5 years ± 17.5 years). The most frequent indication for DBE was occult gastrointestinal bleeding--34 patients (80.9%). Among the other patients, the clinical image suggested Crohn's disease (4 cases--9.5%), suspicion of small bowel's neoplasm (2 patients--4.8%), familiar adenomatous polyposis with a need to make polypectomy (1 case--2.4%) and state after bariatric surgery to extract moved gastric balloon (1 patient--2.4%). Small bowel's lesions were detected in 21 patients (50%)--8 polyps, 8--aphthaes and inflammatory changes, 3--vascular lesions, 2--smoothing villi. In four cases the polypectomy was made. The anaesthetic complications appeared with two patients (4,8%). Complications being a result of performed DBE was observed in one case (2.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Double balloon enteroscopy is safe endoscopic procedure and it plays a key role in diagnosis of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding.

Factors associated with reduced insertion depth at double balloon enteroscopy: a retrospective, multivariate analysis

BACKGROUND

Deep small bowel insertion during double balloon enteroscopy can be difficult to achieve.

AIMS

To determine the factors influencing depth of insertion during double balloon enteroscopy.

METHODS

History of abdomino-pelvic surgery, route of insertion, type of enteroscope, age, sedation or general anaesthesia used and gender were considered as potential influencing factors; procedures were categorised accordingly and maximal depth of insertion calculated.

RESULTS

At multivariate analysis, maximal depth of insertion was significantly associated with history of abdominal-pelvic surgery (P<0.001), rectal approach (P=0.011), gender (P=0.02) and use of the therapeutic enteroscope (P=0.047). Mean maximal depth of insertion was 266±12cm, 255±9cm (P=0.50), 197±10cm (P<0.0001), 160±12cm (P<0.01) and 103±33cm (P<0.15) when 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 influencing factors were present, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Maximal depth of insertion was significantly influenced by history of abdomino-pelvic surgery, insertion route, gender and type of enteroscope used.

Hyperamylasemia is associated with increased intestinal permeability in patients undergoing diagnostic oral double-balloon enteroscopy

AIM: To investigate the correlations between serum amylase levels, intestinal permeability (IP), and pancreatic injury and to explore the mechanisms responsible for hyperamylasemia in double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE).

METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in 20 patients who underwent DBE from August 1, 2008 to February 28, 2009. Serum amylase was examined 0, 2, 6 and 24 h post-DBE, C-reactive protein and lipase were examined at 24 h, and urine lactulose, mannitol, and trypsinogen-II (TRY-II) levels were measured at 6 h. Lactulose/mannitol ratio indicated IP, and TRY-IIindicated pancreatic injuries. Procedure duration and enteroscope insertion length were recorded.

RESULTS: Twelve patients underwent oral DBE (M:F, 5:7; mean age 50.42 ± 11.11 years) and 8 underwent anal DBE (M:F, 5:3; mean age 44.75 ± 12.66 years). They all showed significantly increased post-DBE serum amylase. Amylase and lipase levels were higher in the oral DBE group (P < 0.05). Hyperamylasemia was diagnosed in 9 (75.0%) patients undergoing oral DBE. Only patients receiving oral DBE showed increased post-procedure IP, which correlated with increased serum amylase (r = 0.611, P = 0.035) and procedure duration (r = 0.668, P = 0.018). Adverse events included one oral case with pancreatic injury (elevated TRY-II) and two cases of abdominal discomfort in each group. Pancreatitis was not reported.

CONCLUSION: Hyperamylasemia correlates with increased IP and clinically undetectable pancreatic injuries. DBE could cause intestinal mucosa damage, which may result in IP elevation and increased amylase absorption, necessitating improvements and standardization of DBE methods.

Pyogenic granuloma of the ileum diagnosed by double-balloon enteroscopy

A pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a capillary hemangioma that usually occurs on the skin or in the oral cavity; it is rarely observed in the gastrointestinal tract. We herein describe a case of a 86-year-old woman who presented with anemia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy did not reveal any significant bleeding focus, but capsule endoscopy revealed a bleeding focus in the small intestine. We performed double-balloon enteroscopy and identified a 7-mm-diameter, reddish, subpedunculated, hemispheric polyp with a smooth surface in the small intestine, approximately 100 cm from the ileocecal valve. The polyp was surgically removed, and the histological findings were consistent with a diagnosis of PG.

Double- vs. single-balloon enteroscopy: single center experience with emphasis on procedural performance

PURPOSE

This study aims to compare double- (DBE) and single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) in small bowel disorders with respect to procedural performance and clinical impact.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis at a tertial referral center included 1,052 DBEs and 515 SBEs performed in 904 patients over 7 years. Procedural and patients' characteristics were precisely analyzed.

RESULTS

Significantly more patients with anemia and gastrointestinal bleeding were investigated by DBE (P < 0.01). Oral insertion depth and length of investigated small bowel in the combined approach were significantly higher in the DBE compared to the SBE group (245 ± 65.3 vs. 218 ± 62.6 and 355 ± 101.9 vs. 319 ± 91.2, respectively; P < 0.001, each). By analyzing only recent years of enteroscopy (2008-2011), no difference in small bowel visualization could be observed. The anal insertion depths and complete enteroscopy rates (CER) were comparable. Procedure times were significantly shorter within the SBE procedure (oral: 50 vs. 40 min; anal: 55 vs. 46 min, P < 0.001) and the usage of sedation was significantly less (propofol: P < 0.001; pethidine: P < 0.05). Diagnostic yield was significantly higher in the SBE, compared to the DBE group (61.7 vs. 48.2 %; P < 0.001). The rate of severe adverse events was close to zero.

CONCLUSION

Both enteroscopy techniques are safe diagnostic tools and proved to be indispensable in the daily gastroenterological practice. The lower insertion depths, but higher diagnostic yield, of SBE may reflect the more focused selection of patients scheduled for small bowel diagnostics in recent years.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma diagnosed via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with a short double-balloon enteroscope

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) using a double-balloon enteroscope (DBE) in patients with bowel reconstruction due to a previous abdominal surgery is now widely accepted. In particular, a short DBE, which has a 2.8-mm working channel and 152-cm working length, is useful for ERCP because of its good rotational and straightening ability and the availability of various conventional ERCP accessories through the working channel. Herein we report a case of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma via ERCP with a short DBE. This is the first report in which the pre-cutting and the brush cytological examination were performed successfully under a DBE to diagnose intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma pathologically. The short DBE allowed us to perform all diagnostic and therapeutic procedures accepted in conventional ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomies.

Effect of double-balloon enteroscopy on pancreas: an experimental porcine model

AIM

To evaluate the effect of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) on pancreas histology and levels of pancreatic enzymes.

METHODS

Conventional upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed on five control pigs. Oral DBE was performed with an EN-450T5 enteroscope on 20 pigs. Two experimental groups (10 pigs each) were defined according to DBE duration: 90 min for Group 1 and 140 min for group 2. During oral insertion, the balloons were not inflated in the descending part of the duodenum to avoid the minor duodenal papilla. Serum amylase, lipase and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were monitored before the procedure and repeated every 30 min until the exploration was finished, as well as 24 h and 7 d after. After the procedure and for a total of 7 d, the pigs were observed twice a day for signs of decreased activity, irritability, vomiting or anorexia. Gross and microscopic examination of the pancreas was performed on day 7.

RESULTS

All animals tolerated DBE without clinical manifestations of acute pancreatitis. Experimental groups had higher levels of enzymes than the control group at 24 h. Throughout the exploration, the amylase levels increased significantly above the baseline 24 h after DBE, although the increase was not statistically significant and did not reach 20% of the baseline. An increase in lipase and CRP was observed at 24 h after the procedure, although by day 7, all enzymatic levels had returned to baseline. No differences between groups 1 and 2 were found for any enzyme and sampling site during and after the procedure. Similarly, no correlation between insertion depth and enzyme levels was observed. Direct in situ and post-removal inspection of the pancreas did not show any evidence of fluid collection, abscesses or hemorrhage. Histological examination of the pancreas from groups 1 and 2 revealed the existence of focal areas (0.14-0.26 mm2) of ischemic necrosis in 47.4% of the animals. In the pigs with damaged pancreas, the left lobe (tail) was always affected. However, this only happened in 83.3% of the samples from the right lobe (head) and in 33.3% of the samples from the body of the pancreas. Significant differences were found between the left lobe (tail) and the body for the percentage of affected pancreas. Both the size of the lesions and the percentage of affected pancreas were higher in the left pancreatic lobe (tail). The presence of the lesions was not related to the exploration length.

CONCLUSION

The increase in pancreatic enzymes after DBE could be related to focal points of pancreatic ischemic necrosis due to mechanical stress.

[Double balloon enteroscopy in the management of small bowel disease: early experience in the Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen. Lima - Peru]

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic utility, safeness, efficacy and complications of double balloon enteroscopy (DBE).

METHODS

This prospective, descriptive study of DBE took place between July 2010 and November 2011 at Gastroenterology Service of Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen-EsSalud. 33 DBE were performed in 30 patients with a double balloon enteroscope: EN-450T5 Fujinon, under conscious sedation and with previous bowel preparation. All of them signed an informed consent.

RESULTS

The mean hemoglobin was 9.16 gr. /dl. 16 patients (53%) had capsule endoscopy previous to the exam. The most frequent indication for DBE was gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin. The per-oral route was used in 66.7% of the cases reaching a maximum distance of 206 cm. The mean examination time was 137 minutes. The most frequent finding was vascular ectasia. The diagnostic yield was 57.6% (similar to other published series). The therapeutic usefulness is equal to 45.4%. The therapeutic procedure most used was argon beam plasma (ABP). As published by other authors the exam was well tolerated by all patients with no complications after the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

DBE is a secure, useful and efficient technique for the exploration and treatment of small bowel disease, mainly in the cases of gastrointestinal bleeding of unknown origin.

[Double-balloon enteroscopy in children: indications, safety, and efficacy]

BACKGROUND

Double-balloon enteroscopy is a technique that utilises an endoscope equipped with an overtube to inspect the entire small bowel. Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures can be performed during this type of endoscopy. So far, the use of this technique in children has been limited. In this article, we present a case illustrating the indication, efficacy and safety of this technique in the paediatric setting.

CASE DESCRIPTION

In a 17-year-old girl with chronic abdominal pain and iron deficiency anaemia, neither gastroduodenoscopy nor ileocolonoscopy revealed any abnormality. Video capsule endoscopy revealed a few suspicious erosive lesions and ulcerations, presumed to be located in the ileum. A double-balloon enteroscopy was then performed during which an ulcer was seen on a small-bowel stenosis; this was consistent with the diagnosis of Crohn's disease. The symptoms diminished after treatment with budesonide and azathioprine was initiated.

CONCLUSION

Double-balloon enteroscopy also appears to be an effective and safe method of diagnosing and performing therapeutic interventions in paediatric small bowel pathology.

Meckel's diverticulum preoperatively diagnosed by double-balloon endoscopy

Symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum is an uncommon diagnosis in adults, and bleeding Meckel's diverticulum after childhood is even more infrequent. We present herein the case of a 22-year-old man with gastrointestinal hemorrhage secondary to Meckel's diverticulum containing ectopic gastric mucosa. As the source of bleeding could not be identified by upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy and visceral selective angiography, the new methods of capsule endoscopy and double-balloon endoscopy were used. Capsule endoscopy showed oozing hemorrhage in the ileum, and double-balloon endoscopy demonstrated a large diverticulum in the distal part of the ileum. Tc-99m pertechnetate Meckel's scan revealed an abnormal focus of uptake in the right lower abdomen. The diverticulum was resected laparoscopically. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient remains in complete remission as of this writing. Detecting Meckel's diverticulum endoscopically is difficult prior to surgery, but a combination of capsule endoscopy and double-balloon endoscopy facilitates examination of the entire small intestine, making precise diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum possible.

Route selection for double balloon enteroscopy in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: experience from a single center

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This study was performed to clarify the best insertion route of double-balloon enteroscopy and to report the characteristics and proportions of small bowel pathologies detected by double-balloon enteroscopy in our patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2006 and December 2009, 75 patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding were enrolled into this study. The procedure was performed by oral route in 60 patients, anal route in 5 patients and both in 10 patients. Mean age of the patients was 50.8 years, and 57.3% of them were male. The main outcome measurements were total length of insertion, total time of double-balloon enteroscopy, diagnostic rates, anatomic location of the lesions, and final diagnosis of lesions detected.

RESULTS

Double-balloon enteroscopy was diagnostic in 75% of the patients. This rate was significantly higher in overt bleeding (91.7%). The source of bleeding could not be detected in 19 patients. Mean times of procedures were 119, 144 and 154 minutes for oral route, anal route and both, respectively. The mean insertion length was 310.65 cm (beyond the pylorus)for oral and 166.8 cm (beyond the ileocecal valve) for anal route. The most frequent pathologies were vascular malformations (n=20) and tumors (n=19). All malignant lesions were detected in the proximal part of the small intestine. Vascular malformations were distributed equally through the small intestine. Endoscopic treatment was performed in 30% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Double-balloon enteroscopy is a safe and feasible examination for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Most lesions were localized in the proximal part of the small intestine. The oral route may be preferred as a first choice, if the imaging modalities including capsuleendoscopy cannot detect the lesion.

Double-balloon enteroscopy in the diagnosis and management of small-bowel diseases

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic yield of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and its impact on subsequent management.

METHODOLOGY

This study is a retrospective analysis of 300 consecutive patients for investigation of small bowel disease that had been suspected by both clinical symptoms and imaging tests. The final management was guided by the results of DBE. Demographic, clinical, procedural and outcome data were collected for analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 300 patients, lesions were found in 213 (70.1%). These lesions were small-intestinal ulcers, Crohn's disease, chronic inflammation, Meckel's diverticulae, angiodysplasia, polyps, ulcerative lipoma and tumor. Ninety-nine of the 115 patients with suspected intestinal hemorrhage were confirmed, with a positive rate of 86.1%. Also confirmed were 60 of the 99 patients with abdominal pain (positive rate of 60.6%); sixteen of 22 patients with chronic diarrhea (positive rate of 72.7%); thirty-three of the 55 patients with abdominal distention or malnutrition (positive rate of 60.0%); and 7 of 9 patients with refractory hypoalbuminemia. Treatment was performed in 2.3% of patients (3 polyps and 2 angiodysplasia).

CONCLUSIONS

This large pilot series shows that DBE is a safe and feasible diagnostic and therapeutic tool for suspected or documented small-bowel diseases.

[Capsule endoscopy role in diagnosis of small bowel tumors]

Since the introduction of capsule endoscopy (CE), several studies suggested a higher frequency of small bowel tumors (SBTs) than previously reported.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We evaluated the prevalence, presentation and diagnostic work-up of SBTs in patients undergoing CE in a single referral center. During 2003 - 2009, 102 patients underwent CE. For each patient with suspected SBT at CE, with subsequent histological confirmation, we registered clinical and biological features, imaging methods performed and management.

RESULTS

SBTs were detected in 4.9% of patients undergoing CE. The main indication for CE was obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. All patients had undergone, before CE, at least one procedure evaluating the small bowel. All patients had iron-deficiency anemia, some presented also other gastrointestinal symptoms. The main SBT type was gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Three patients underwent single-balloon enteroscopy; surgery was performed in all patients. No retention of capsule occurred. CE could be used as first choice as diagnostic tool when SBTs are suspected.