Abstract
Background The advent of balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) has facilitated the examination
of the entire digestive tract. However, using a rigid sliding tube during the procedure
reduces patient acceptance. This study evaluated the clinical application of a newly
developed ultrathin single-balloon enteroscope for BAE.
Methods 28 outpatients underwent enteroscopy with a novel ultrathin single-balloon enteroscope.
None of the subjects required therapeutic procedures, such as balloon dilation or
hemostasis. The insertability, efficacy, and safety of the ultrathin single-balloon
endoscope were evaluated retrospectively.
Results 7 patients underwent transoral enteroscopy and 21 patients underwent transanal enteroscopy
under conscious sedation. No adverse events related to the procedure were reported
in any patients. Targeted observation and/or targeted biopsy were achieved in all
procedures. All transoral procedures allowed evaluation of the jejunum beyond the
ligament of Treitz. All transanal procedures allowed intubation of the terminal ileum,
despite several patients having severe stenosis of the colon and ileum.
Conclusion A novel ultrathin single-balloon enteroscope showed adequate insertability and safety
for outpatient surveillance enteroscopy under conscious sedation.
