Diagnostic and therapeutic yield of single balloon enteroscopy in patients with suspected small-bowel disease: results of the Italian multicentre study

Abstract

Background: Limited data are available on the clinical impact of single balloon enteroscopy.

Aims: To evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic yield of single balloon enteroscopy in patients with suspected small bowel disease.

Methods: Data on patients with suspected small bowel disease based on non-invasive imaging, who were subjected sequentially to enteroscopy were prospectively collected.

Results: 131 procedures were performed in 111 patients. The mean procedure time was 61±33min for the oral approach, and 78±41min for the anal approach. The mean insertion depth was 223±93cm beyond the ligament of Treitz, and 96±56 beyond the ileo-cecal valve. A diagnosis suspected with prior small bowel tests was confirmed in 82 patients, confidently excluded in 20, while in 9 the suspected area was not reached. Total enteroscopy was deemed clinically unnecessary in 94 patients; when total enteroscopy was attempted, it was achieved in 8 out 17 patients. Endoscopic therapeutic interventions were performed in 39 patients, medical treatment was started in 30, whereas 18 underwent to surgery. No major complications were registered.

Conclusions: This study shows that single balloon enteroscopy appears to be an helpful and safe procedure with a high clinical impact, especially when it is placed in decision-making as a third level examination.