Initial experience with the Pentax VSB-P2900 enteroscope.

Pentax has introduced the VSB-P2900 for endoscopic evaluation of the small bowel. This is a standard video upper endoscope lengthened to 250 cm. We report a case utilizing this instrument. A 65-yr-old white male was admitted with respiratory failure. Gastrointestinal bleeding developed. Upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, push enteroscopy, and mesenteric angiography were nondiagnostic. Enteroscopy to the proximal to mid ileum was performed. Approximately 90% of the intubated small bowel mucosa was visualized. An arteriovenous malformation and an ulcer were identified and cauterized. Time elapsed from intubation to extubation was 90 min, including two KUBs. No further bleeding was observed. The VSB-P2900 is likely to simplify examination of the small intestine. Tip control allows a large percentage of the intubated small bowel to be visualized. A working channel allows therapeutics. The technique is simple, fast, and within the skills of most endoscopists. A safety and efficacy profile need to be determined.