[Double-balloon endoscopy for diagnosis and treatment of small bowel diseases. The first Danish experiences with 31 patients].

INTRODUCTION

Double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) is a novel technique for diagnosis and treatment of small bowel diseases. This study describes the first Danish experiences with DBE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective study of 31 consecutive patients examined with DBE at Gentofte Hospital from March 2004 to September 2006.

RESULTS

A total of 42 DBE (32 oral, ten anal) were performed. Insertion-length for the oral and anal DBE was 206 cm (range 40-500 cm) beyond the Ligament of Treitz and 141 cm (range 10-200 cm) beyond the ileo-cecal valve, respectively. Duration was 128 min/124 min (range 55-285 min/60-155 min), respectively. In two patients a total inspection of the small bowel was possible. The diagnostic yield was 74% (CI: 57%-86%) with a therapeutic yield in 21 patients (68% CI: 50%-81%). One major complication with perforation occurred due to improper handling of the endoscope.

CONCLUSION

DBE is a new effective method for the diagnosis and treatment of small bowel diseases. If used correctly, DBE is safe with few complications. DBE is expected to become an essential endoscopic method for handling small bowel diseases in close conjunction with capsule endoscopy. DBE demands considerable resources and requires experience with advanced endoscopic techniques and hence should be limited to only a few national centres.