Application of double-balloon push enteroscopy in the diagnosis of small bowel disorders

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of double-balloon push enteroscopy in small bowel disorders. Methods From July 2003 to March 2004, 38 patients with presentation of gastrointestinal upset and underwent a previous negative gastroscopy, colonoscopy, gastrointestinal barium and/or angiography were enrolled in this study. Enteroscopy via oral or rectum was done in 30 patients while in the other 8 patients full access to the small bowel was attempted by the two-way method, firstly via upper GI and then the lower GI. Results Positive diagnostic yield was made in 33 patients (86. 8% ). These disorders included Crohn's disease (7/38) , multiple ulcerations (5/38) , arteriovenous malformation (4/38) , multiple diverticula (4/38) , varices (3/38) , malignant stromal tumor (2/38) , ileitis (2/38) , and 1 case in each of moderate-differentiated adenocarcinoma, Ankylostoma duodenale, ascariasis, eosinophilic enteritis, anas-tomotic stricture and tuberculosis. The procedures were carried out satisfactorily in all patients but 2 failed from the intolerance of patients. Complication never occurred. Conclusion Double-balloon push enteroscopy has the superiority in direct visualization of whole small intestine with high positive findings and safety but with high technical demand in manipulation.