Small bowel stricture characterization and outcomes of dilatation by double-balloon enteroscopy: a single-centre experience.

BACKGROUND: There is little data on the role of balloon enteroscopy and small bowel strictures. We aim to characterize the diagnostic role of double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in small bowel strictures and document the outcomes of dilatation.

METHODS: This is a retrospective review from a single tertiary referral centre DBE database from July 2004 to September 2012. All patients with suspected strictures in the small bowel undergoing DBE were included. The position of the small bowel strictures considered for dilatation was determined by diagnostic imaging, i.e. CT enterography, MR enterography or capsule endoscopy in the workup before DBE. Endpoints included stricture description, dilatation parameters and response to treatment. Main outcome measurements were the safety and efficacy of DBE and dilatation.

RESULTS: From our DBE database of 594 patients, a total of 32 patients underwent 44 DBE procedures for suspected or known strictures. Stricture aetiology included Crohn's disease (CD), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), surgical, Beçhets disease and one unknown. A total of 17 patients did not undergo dilatation as the strictures were ulcerated, nonobstructing or of uncertain aetiology. From the total of 25 dilatations in 15 patients that were attempted, 8/15 (53%) patients had 1 dilatation, 5 patients had 2 dilatations, 1 had 3 dilatations and 1 had 4 dilatations. The mean dilatation diameter was 14 mm. Three patients underwent surgery post-dilatation (2 for perforation). Mean follow up was 16 months.

CONCLUSION: DBE is a useful method in determining the need for dilatation by assessing for active ulceration. Dilatation is effective in the 10-18 mm range, however perforation does occur.