Spiral enteroscopy: a novel method of enteroscopy by using the Endo-Ease Discovery SB overtube and a pediatric colonoscope.

BACKGROUND: Pathologic diagnosis and therapeutic interventions on the small bowel have been difficult and challenging for gastroenterologists. In the last few years, significant advances have been made in this direction. New diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for visualizing the small bowel have been introduced. Furthermore, increased indications for small-bowel imaging and therapeutics have been recognized. However, the currently available methods have limitations, and development of newer, rapid, minimally invasive, safe, and readily available techniques is needed.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel method of spiral enteroscopy using a specialized overtube (Endo-Ease Discovery SB) with a pediatric colonoscope (PCF-140L).

DESIGN: Case series.

SETTING: Two international tertiary referral centers.

PATIENTS: Twenty-seven adult patients with obscure GI bleeding were enrolled in this study.

INTERVENTION: Spiral enteroscopy with the Endo-Ease Discovery SB overtube and a pediatric colonoscope.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Depth of insertion, time of procedure, and complications.

RESULTS: Average depth of insertion was 176 cm (range 80-340 cm) from ligament of Treitz, and average time of procedure was 36.5 minutes (range 90-65 minutes). Eleven patients had minor complications, which included minimal mucosal trauma and sore throat.

LIMITATIONS: Small number of patients with a case series study design.

CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary data suggest that use of Endo-Ease Discovery SB overtube for enteroscopy is a safe and effective technique for visualization of the small bowel.