Endoscopic techniques to detect small-bowel neuroendocrine tumors: A literature review.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of small-bowel neuroendocrine tumors (SbNETs) has improved with the advent of video capsule endoscopy (CE) and double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE). The data describing the efficacy of CE/DBE in the detection of SbNETs are scanty.

AIM: The aim of this article is to review the current evidence on the role of DBE and CE in the diagnosis of SbNETs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A bibliographical search was performed in PubMed using the following keywords: "neuroendocrine tumors and enteroscopy/and capsule endoscopy" and "small bowel neuroendocrine tumors."

RESULTS: CE and DBE can be complementary and show a similar diagnostic yield. The number of false-negative results has not been established yet because of the "work-up bias" observed in the majority of the studies.

CONCLUSIONS: DBE and CE appear to be both safe and effective procedures useful in the diagnosis of SbNETs. Further studies are required to clarify their potential complications and relationship with other techniques, particularly nuclear imaging.