Endoscopic characteristics of small intestinal malignant tumors observed by balloon-assisted enteroscopy

BACKGROUND Capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy(BAE) enable visualization of rare small bowel conditions such as small intestinal malignant tumors.However,details of the endoscopic characteristics of small intestinal malignant tumors are still unknown.AIM To elucidate the endoscopic characteristics of small intestinal malignant tumors.METHODS From March 2005 to February 2017,1329 BAE procedures were performed at Keio University Hospital. Of these procedures,malignant tumors were classified into three groups,Group 1: epithelial tumors including primary small intestinal cancer,metastatic small intestinal cancer,and direct small intestinal invasion by an adjacent organ cancer; Group 2: small intestinal malignant lymphoma; and Group 3,small intestinal gastrointestinal stromal tumors. We systematically collected clinical and endoscopic data from patients' medical records to determine the endoscopic characteristics for each group.RESULTS The number of patients in each group was 16(Group 1),23(Group 2),and 6(Group 3),and the percentage of solitary tumors was 100%,43.5%,and 100%,respectively(P < 0.001). Patients' clinical background parameters including age,symptoms,and laboratory data were not significantly different between the groups. Seventy-five percent of epithelial tumors(Group 1) were located in the upper small intestine(duodenum and ileum),and approximately 70% of gastrointestinal stromal tumors(Group 3) were located in the jejunum. Solitary protruding or mass-type tumors were not seen in malignant lymphoma(Group2)(P < 0.001). Stenosis was seen more often in Group 1,(68.8%,27.3%,and 0%;Group 1,2,and 3,respectively; P = 0.004). Enlarged white villi inside and/or surrounding the tumor were seen in 12.5%,54.5%,and 0% in Group 1,2,and 3,respectively(P = 0.001).CONCLUSION The differential diagnosis of small intestinal malignant tumors could be tentatively made based on BAE findings.

Balloon-assisted enteroscopy for suspected Meckel's diverticulum and indefinite diagnostic imaging workup

Meckel's diverticulum(MD) is estimated to affect 1%-2% of the general population, and it represents a clinically silent finding of a congenital anomaly in up to 85% of the cases. In adults, MD may cause symptoms, such as overt occult lower gastrointestinal bleeding. The diagnostic imaging workup includes computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging enterography, technetium 99 m scintigraphy(99mTc) using either labeled red blood cells or pertechnetate(known as the Meckel's scan) and angiography. The preoperative detection rate of MD in adults is low, and many patients ultimately undergo exploratory laparoscopy. More recently, however, endoscopic identification of MD has been possible with the use of balloon-assisted enteroscopy via direct luminal access, which also provides visualization of the diverticular ostium. The aim of this study was to review the diagnosis by double-balloon enteroscopy of 4 adults with symptomatic MD but who had negative diagnostic imaging workups. These cases indicate that balloonassisted enteroscopy is a valuable diagnostic method and should be considered in adult patients who have suspected MD and indefinite findings on diagnostic imaging workup, including negative Meckel's scan.

Balloon-assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection for treating small intestinal lipomas:Report of two cases

BACKGROUND Most small intestinal lipomas are treated surgically,and some require repeated surgeries for multiple lipomas.However,application of endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)technology in the deep small intestine is rarely reported owing to the special anatomical structure of the small intestine,medical equipment limitations,and the lack of relevant experience among endoscopists.CASE SUMMARY Two patients with small intestinal lipomas treated at the Air Force Medical Center from November 2015 to September 2019 were selected to undergo balloonassisted ESD to treat the lipomas and explore the technical feasibility and safety of ESD for treating small intestinal lipomas.The two patients successfully underwent balloon-assisted ESD to treat four small intestinal lipomas,with a complete resection rate of 100%(4/4),without intraoperative or postoperative bleeding,perforation,or other complications.After 3-6 mo of postoperative follow-up,the clinical symptoms caused by the lipomas were significantly relieved or disappeared after treatment.CONCLUSION Balloon-assisted ESD is a safe and reliable new method for treating deep intestinal lipomas and shows good clinical feasibility.

右美托咪定辅助全身麻醉对老年无痛肠镜检查患者血流动力学及认知功能的影响

目的探讨右美托咪定(DEX)辅助全身麻醉对老年无痛肠镜检查患者血流动力学及认知功能的影响。方法将2020年7月至2022年2月在焦作市第二人民医院门诊手术室行无痛肠镜检查的老年患者180例,根据随机数字表法分为对照组(n=90)和观察组(n=90)。对照组患者给予常规全身麻醉(舒芬太尼+丙泊酚麻醉诱导,丙泊酚麻醉维持);观察组患者在术前准备后加用DEX辅助全身麻醉。比较2组患者的血流动力学指标[平均动脉压(MAP)、心率(HR)]、全麻用药量、苏醒时间、认知功能[简易精神状况检查量表(MMSE)]评分、不良反应发生率。结果2组患者麻醉前(T0)各项指标的差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);与T0时比较,麻醉10 min后(T1)、肠镜达回盲部(T2)、检查后退镜(T3)、术后10 min(T4)时两组患者的MAP、HR均显著降低,但观察组患者在T1、T2、T3、T4时的MAP、HR均显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,观察组患者的全麻用药量显著降低,苏醒时间显著缩短,术后1、2、3 d的MMSE评分显著升高,认知功能障碍发生率及不良反应发生率均显著降低(P<0.05)。结论DEX可有效改善老年无痛肠镜检查患者的血流动力学及认知功能,减少全麻用药量,缩短患者苏醒时间,且安全性较好。

基于Web of Science数据库中小肠镜研究的文献计量与可视化分析

目的分析全球小肠镜领域研究现状和研究热点,为小肠镜领域相关研究提供参考依据。方法限定发表年份为“1998-2022”、语言为“English”、文献类型为“Article”,于2022年9月25日在Web of Science(WoS)数据库中采用主题词“Enteroscopy”进行检索;采用VOSviewer 1.6.17软件和文献计量在线分析平台(https://bibliometric.com)对纳入文献的发文国家、机构、作者及关键词等进行分析,并绘制相应可视化知识图谱。结果共有2204篇论著纳入分析。小肠镜领域发文量前3位的国家分别是美国、日本和中国;美国梅奥诊所(69篇)、巴黎公共医疗救助机构(62篇)、法国Udice研究型大学(62篇)占研究机构发文量前3位;小肠镜领域发文量前3位的作者分别是Yamamoto(49篇)、Nakamura(42篇)和Tanaka(40篇);Yamamoto(1688次)、Yano(1514次)和Tanaka(947次)为该领域高被引作者;关键词共现网络中胶囊内镜(出现625次)、小肠镜(出现555次)、双气囊小肠镜(出现516次)、诊断(出现424次)等为小肠镜领域高频词。结论在过去20多年中,小肠镜领域的研究发展迅猛,中国在全球小肠镜领域的地位也逐步提高。胶囊内镜和小肠镜用于小肠疾病的诊治一直是小肠镜领域的研究热点。

黄河三角洲地区135例小肠溃疡的临床分析

目的:总结黄河三角洲地区小肠溃疡患者的病因构成、内镜表现及临床特点,为临床诊治提供依据。方法:回顾性分析2020年5月1日—2023年3月1日于滨州医学院附属医院经小肠镜或胶囊内镜首次诊断为小肠溃疡的135例患者的临床资料。结果:黄河三角洲地区小肠溃疡多发于40~59岁,男女比例为1.55︰1。小肠溃疡的病因主要以克罗恩病最多见,临床表现多为腹痛、腹泻、便血和黑便,影像学检查特点为小肠管壁增厚、肠系膜淋巴结肿大及小肠管腔狭窄。小肠镜及胶囊内镜检出率分别为26.83%及8.67%,常见溃疡部位为回肠、回盲部和空肠,内镜下溃疡特点以不规则样、纵行、环形、节段性为主,病理改变主要是黏膜慢性炎和伴炎细胞浸润。结论:小肠溃疡的病因复杂,临床特点缺乏特异性,小肠镜及胶囊内镜有助于小肠溃疡的诊断,但内镜下的表现常有重叠,病理活检在疾病的诊断中仍具有一定的局限性,应进一步探究CT等辅助检查在小肠溃疡诊断及鉴别诊断中的作用。

不同时间口服西甲硅油祛泡剂对肠镜检查前肠道准备的效果影响

目的 探讨不同时间点服用西甲硅油在肠镜检查前肠道准备中的作用。方法 选取2022年1月至12月于温州医科大学附属第一医院行肠镜检查的330例患者为研究对象,根据随机数字法将患者分为A、B、C三组,每组各110例。A组患者于肠镜检查前1h服用西甲硅油,B组于检查前2h服用西甲硅油,C组于检查前4h服用西甲硅油。比较三组患者肠腔内的气泡量评分、生理盐水冲洗量及操作医生满意度。结果 三组间肠腔内的气泡含量、生理盐水冲洗量及操作医生满意度比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),但B组最好。结论 在行肠镜检查前2h口服西甲硅油,可明显减少肠腔内的气泡,提升肠镜检查观察视野的清晰度,提高操作医生的满意度。

盐酸丁卡因胃/肠镜润滑剂在比格犬体内的药动学和毒性研究

通过对比格犬单次灌胃或直肠给予盐酸丁卡因胃/肠镜润滑剂,观察动物的临床反应,测定盐酸丁卡因在体内的浓度,对主要的组织脏器进行大体剖检,并测量脏器重量及系数,以了解其在动物体内的药动学和毒性反应.将8只普通级比格犬,随机分为灌胃组和直肠组,每只犬分别单次灌胃或直肠给予10 mL盐酸丁卡因胃/肠镜润滑剂(含盐酸丁卡因80 mg).结果显示,各动物的外观体征、行为活动、呼吸和粪便等均未见明显异常,摄食正常,体重正常增长;与给药前相比,各动物在给药后4 h体温下降、心率减慢、Q-T间期和T波时间延长,为盐酸丁卡因的麻醉药效作用所致;各动物的血液学、血液生化学、主要脏器重量和系数及大体剖检均未见明显异常;单次灌胃或直肠给予后的平均达峰时间分别为0.63和0.44 h,平均消除半衰期分别为1.20和3.36 h,平均药时曲线下面积分别为60.44和60.19μg/L*h,提示吸收进入血液的药量较少,大部分留在局部发挥润滑和麻醉作用.

Clinical profile,diagnostic yield,and procedural outcomes of single balloon enteroscopy:A tertiary care hospital experience

BACKGROUND Single balloon enteroscopy(SBE)allows ease of access for small bowel visualization and has multiple diagnostic and therapeutic indications.It provides the advantage of performing various therapeutic interventions alongside the diagnostic procedure.SBE has also been considered a relatively safe procedure with no major complications.AIM To investigate the indications,safety,and clinical yield of SBE,and determine its effect on disease outcome.METHODS A retrospective,descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi,Pakistan.Medical records of 56 adult patients(≥18 years)who underwent SBE between July 2013 and December 2021 were reviewed and data were collected using a structured proforma.A descriptive analysis of the variables was performed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences Version 19.Results are reported as the mean±SD for quantitative variables and numbers and percentages for qualitative variables.Missing data are reported as unknown.RESULTS A total of 56 patients who underwent 61 SBE procedures were included.The mean age was 50.93±16.16 years,with 53.6%of them being males.Hypertension(39.3%)and diabetes mellitus(25.0%)were the most common pre-existing comorbidities.Obscure gastrointestinal bleed(39.3%)was the most common indication for enteroscopy,followed by chronic diarrhea(19.7%)and unexplained anemia(16.4%).The majority of procedures were performed in the endoscopy suite(90.2%)under monitored anaesthesia care(93.4%).Most procedures were diagnostic(91.8%)and completed without complications(95.1%).The depth of examination ranged from 95 cm to 500 cm with a mean of 282.05±90.04 cm.The most common findings were inflammation and ulcerations(29.5%),followed by masses(19.7%)and vascular malformations(14.8%).As a result of the findings,a new diagnosis was made in 47.5%of the cases and a previous one was ruled out in 24.6%of them;65.6%of the cases had a change in management.CONCLUSION SBE is a suitable modality for investigating diseases in the small bowel.It is shown to be technically efficient and reasonably safe and is associated with high diagnostic and therapeutic yield.

Treatment of hemolymphangioma by robotic surgery: A case report

BACKGROUND Hemolymphangioma of the jejunum is rare and lacks clinical specificity,and can manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding,abdominal pain,and intestinal obstruction.Computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging,and other examinations show certain characteristics of the disease,but lack accuracy.Although capsule endoscopy and enteroscopy make up for this deficiency,the diagnosis also still re-quires pathology.CASE SUMMARY A male patient was admitted to the hospital due to abdominal distension and abdominal pain,but a specific diagnosis by computed tomography examination was not obtained.Partial resection of the small intestine was performed by robotic surgery,and postoperative pathological biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of hemo-lymphangioma.No recurrence in the follow-up examination was observed.CONCLUSION Robotic surgery is an effective way to treat hemolymphangioma through minima-lly invasive techniques under the concept of rapid rehabilitation.

Computed tomography three-dimensional reconstruction in the diagnosis of bleeding small intestinal polyps:A case report

BACKGROUND Computed tomography(CT)small bowel three-dimensional(3D)reconstruction is a powerful tool for the diagnosis of small bowel disease and can clearly show the intestinal lumen and wall as well as the outside structure of the wall.The horizontal axis position can show the best adjacent intestinal tube and the lesion between the intestinal tubes,while the coronal position can show the overall view of the small bowel.The ileal end of the localization of the display of excellent,and easy to quantitative measurement of the affected intestinal segments,the sagittal position for the rectum and the pre-sacral lesions show the best,for the discovery of fistulae is also helpful.Sagittal view can show rectal and presacral lesions and is useful for fistula detection.It is suitable for the assessment of inflammatory bowel disease,such as assessment of disease severity and diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the small bowel and mesenteric space-occupying lesions as well as the judgment of small bowel obstruction points.CASE SUMMARY Bleeding caused by small intestinal polyps is often difficult to diagnose in clinical practice.This study reports a 29-year-old male patient who was admitted to the hospital with black stool and abdominal pain for 3 months.Using the combination of CT-3D reconstruction and capsule endoscopy,the condition was diagnosed correctly,and the polyps were removed using single-balloon enteroscopyendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography without postoperative complications.CONCLUSION The role of CT-3D in gastrointestinal diseases was confirmed.CT-3D can assist in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases in combination with capsule endoscopy and small intestinal microscopy.

Intermittent melena and refractory anemia due to jejunal cavernous lymphangioma:A case report

BACKGROUND Lymphangiomas in the gastrointestinal tract are extremely rare in adults.As a benign lesion,small intestine lymphangiomas often remain asymptomatic and pose challenges for definitive diagnosis.However,lymphangiomas can give rise to complications such as abdominal pain,bleeding,volvulus,and intussusception.Here,we report a case of jejunal cavernous lymphangioma that presented with intermittent melena and refractory anemia in a male adult.CASE SUMMARY A 66-year-old man presented with intermittent melena,fatigue and refractory anemia nine months prior.Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy were performed many times and revealed no apparent bleeding.Conservative management,including transfusion,hemostasis,gastric acid secretion inhibition and symptomatic treatment,was performed,but the lesions tended to recur shortly after surgery.Ultimately,the patient underwent capsule endoscopy,which revealed a more than 10 cm lesion accompanied by active bleeding.After singleballoon enteroscopy and biopsy,a diagnosis of jejunal cavernous lymphangioma was confirmed,and the patient underwent surgical resection.No complications or recurrences were observed postoperatively.CONCLUSION Jejunal cavernous lymphangioma should be considered a cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.Capsule endoscopy and single-balloon enteroscopy can facilitate diagnosis.Surgical resection is an effective management method.

无痛肠镜结合复方聚乙二醇电解质散治疗老年结肠息肉的效果观察

目的 探析在治疗老年结肠息肉中实施无痛肠镜结合复方聚乙二醇电解质散治疗的应用价值。方法 选择2022年3月至2023年9月河南科技大学附属许昌市中心医院收治的82例老年结肠息肉患者,以随机数字表法为原则分组,一组实施无痛肠镜联合硫酸镁(对照组,n=41),一组实施无痛肠镜结合复方聚乙二醇电解质散治疗(实验组,n=41),观察两组患者治疗指标、肠道清洁度、术后不良事件发生情况及生活质量改善情况。结果 两组治疗指标对比,实验组手术时间、住院时间均短于对照组,且其息肉切除率较高,差异均有统计学意义(P <0.05)。两组肠道清洁度相比较,实验组肠道清洁优良率较高,差异具有统计学意义(P <0.05)。治疗后,实验组患者不良事件发生率较低,差异具有统计学意义(P <0.05)。治疗前,两组患者生活质量相比较差异无统计学意义(P> 0.05)。治疗后,实验组生活质量评分显著高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P <0.05)。结论 无痛肠镜结合复方聚乙二醇电解质散在老年结肠息肉治疗中具有较好的应用效果,能够缩短手术时间,降低并发症风险,提高患者生活质量。

Capsule endoscopy and single-balloon enteroscopy in small bowel diseases: Competing or complementary?

AIM To evaluate diagnostic yields of capsule endoscopy(CE) and/or single-balloon enteroscopy(SBE) in patients with suspected small bowel diseases.METHODS Were trospectively analyzed 700 patients with suspected small bowel diseases from September 2010 to March 2016. CE, SBE, or SBE with prior CE was performed in 401, 353, and 47 patients, respectively. Data from clinical and endoscopy records were collected for analysis. Indications, procedure times, diagnostic yields, and complications were summarized and evaluated.RESULTS The overall diagnostic yield for the CE group was 57.6%. The diagnostic yield of CE in patients with obscure gastroin testinal bleeding(OGIB) was significantly greater than that in patients with no bleeding(70.5% vs 43.8%, P < 0.01). The overall diagnostic yield of SBE was 69.7%. There was no difference in the diagnostic yield of SBE between patients with OGIB and those with no bleeding(72.5% vs 68.9%, P = 0.534). Forty-seven patients underwent CE prior to SBE. Among them, the diagnostic yield of SBE with positive findings on prior CE was 93.3%. In addition, SBE detected two cases with superficial ulcer and erosive lesions in the small bowel, which were missed by CE. However, one case with lymphoma and two with Crohn's disease were not confirmed by SBE. The rate of capsule retention was 2.0%. There were no significant complications during or after SBE examinations.CONCLUSION SBE is a safe and effective technique for diagnosing small bowel diseases. SBE with prior CE seemed to improve the diagnostic yield of small bowel diseases.

Emergent single-balloon enteroscopy for overt bleeding of small intestinal vascular malformation

A 28-year-old man presented with anemia symptoms and intermittent tarry stool passage for three days. No stigmata of hemorrhage were identified using esophagogastroduodenoscopy, ileocolonoscopy, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography. He then developed massive tarry stool passage with profound hypovolemic shock and hypoxic respiratory failure. Emergent angiography revealed active bleeder, probably from the jejunal branches of the superior mesenteric artery, but embolization was not performed due to possible subsequent extensive bowel ischemia. His airway was secured via endotracheal intubation with ventilator support, and emergent antegrade singleballoon enteroscopy was performed at 8 h after clinical overt bleeding occurrence; the procedure revealed a 2-cm pulsating subepithelial tumor with a protrudingblood plug at the distal jejunum. Laparoscopic segmental resection of the jejunum with end-to-end anastomosis was performed after emergent endoscopic tattooing localization. Pathological examination revealed a vascular malformation in the submucosa with an organizing thrombus. He was uneventfully discharged 5 d later. This case report highlights the benefit of early deep enteroscopy for the treatment of small intestinal bleeding.

Non-small-bowel lesions encountered during double-balloon enteroscopy performed for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM:To report the incidence of non-small-bowel bleeding pathologies encountered during double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) procedures and to analyse their significance.METHODS: A retrospective study of a prospective DBE database conducted in a tertiary-referral center was conducted. A total of 179 patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) referred for DBE from June 2004 to November 2008 were analysed looking for the incidence of non-small-bowel lesions (NSBLs; all and newly diagnosed) encountered during DBE.RESULTS: There were 228 (150 antegrade and 78 retrograde) DBE procedures performed in 179 patients. The mean number of DBE procedures was 1.27 per patient. The mean age (SD) of the patients was 62 ± 16 years old. There were 94 females (52.5%). The positive yield for a bleeding lesion was 65.9%. Of the 179 patients, 44 (24.6%) had NSBLs (19 of them had dual pathology with small-bowel lesions and NSBLs); 27 (15.1%) had lesions not detected by previous endoscopies. The most common type of missed lesions were vascular lesions.CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of patients (24.6%) had lesions within reach of conventional endoscopy. Careful repeat examination with gastroscopy and colonoscopy might be required.

Different roles of capsule endoscopy and double-balloon enteroscopy in obscure small intestinal diseases

AIM: To compare the roles of capsule endoscopy(CE)and double-balloon enteroscopy(DBE) in the diagnosis of obscure small bowel diseases.METHODS: From June 2009 to December 2014, 88 patients were included in this study; the patients had undergone gastroscopy, colonoscopy, radiological small intestinal barium meal, abdominal computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan and mesenteric angiography, but their diagnoses were still unclear. The patients with gastrointestinal obstructions,fistulas, strictures, or cardiac pacemakers, as well as pregnant women, and individuals who could not accept the capsule-retention or capsule-removal surgery were excluded. Patients with heart, lung and other vital organ failure diseases were also excluded. Everyone involved in this study had undergone CE and DBE. The results were divided into:(1) the definite diagnosis(the diagnosis was confirmed at least by one of the biopsy,surgery, pathology or the drug treatment effects with follow-up for at least 3 mo);(2) the possible diagnosis(a possible diagnosis was suggested by CE or DBE,but not confirmed by the biopsy, surgery or follow-up drug treatment effects); and(3) the unclear diagnosis(no exact causes were provided by CE and DBE for the disease). The detection rate and the diagnostic yield of the two methods were compared. The differencein the etiologies between CE and DBE was estimated,and the different possible etiologies caused by the age groups were also investigated.RESULTS: CE exhibited a better trend than DBE for diagnosing scattered small ulcers(P = 0.242, Fisher's test), and small vascular malformations(χ 2 = 1.810,P = 0.179, Pearson χ 2 test), but with no significant differences, possible due to few cases. However,DBE was better than CE for larger tumors(P =0.018, Fisher's test) and for diverticular lesions with bleeding ulcers(P = 0.005, Fisher's test). All three hemangioma cases diagnosed by DBE in this study(including sponge hemangioma, venous hemangioma,and hemangioma with hamartoma lesions) were all confirmed by biopsy. Two parasite cases were found by CE, but were negative by DBE. This study revealed no obvious differences in the detection rates(DR) of CE(60.0%, 53/88) and DBE(59.1%, 52/88). However,the etiological diagnostic yield(DY) difference was apparent. The CE diagnostic yield was 42.0%(37/88),and the DBE diagnostic yield was 51.1%(45/88).Furthermore, there were differences among the age groups(χ 2 = 22.146, P = 0.008, Kruskal Wallis Test). Small intestinal cancer(5/6 cases), vascular malformations(22/29 cases), and active bleeding(3/4cases) appeared more commonly in the patients over50 years old, but diverticula with bleeding ulcers were usually found in the 15-25-year group(4/7cases). The over-25-year group accounted for the stromal tumors(10/12 cases).CONCLUSION: CE and DBE each have their own advantages and disadvantages. The appropriate choice depends on the patient's age, tolerance, and clinical manifestations. Sometimes CE followed by DBE is necessary.

Double-balloon enteroscopy in small bowel tumors: A Chinese single-center study

AIM: To analyze the clinical characteristics of small bowel tumors detected by double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and to evaluate the diagnostic value of DBE in tumors. METHODS: Four hundred and forty consecutive DBE examinations were performed in 400 patients (250 males and 150 females, mean age 46.9 ± 16.3 years, range 14-86 years) between January 2007 and April 2012. Of these, 252 patients underwent the antegrade approach, and 188 patients underwent the retrograde approach. All the patients enrolled in our study were suspected of having small bowel diseases with a negative etiological diagnosis following other routine examinations, such as upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy and radiography tests. Data on tumors, such as clinical information, endoscopic findings and opera-tion results, were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: Small bowel tumors were diagnosed in 78 patients, of whom 67 were diagnosed using DBE, resulting in a diagnostic yield of 16.8% (67/400); the other 11 patients had negative DBE findings and were diagnosed through surgery or capsule endoscopy. Adenocarcinoma (29.5%, 23/78), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (24.4%, 19/78) and lymphoma (15.4%, 12/78) were the most common tumors. Among the 78 tumors, 60.3% (47/78) were located in the jejunum, and the overall number of malignant tumors was 74.4% (58/78). DBE examinations were frequently performed in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (47.4%) and abdominal pain (24.4%). The positive detection rate for DBE in the 78 patients with small bowel tumors was 85.9% (67/78), which was higher than that of a computed tomography scan (72.9%, 51/70). Based on the operation results, the accuracy rates of DBE for locating small bowel neoplasms, such as adenocarcinoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor and lymphoma, were 94.4%, 100% and 100%, respectively. The positive biopsy rates for adenocarcinoma and lymphoma were 71.4% and 60%, respectively. CONCLUSION: DBE is a useful diagnostic tool with high clinical practice value and should be considered the gold standard for the investigation of small bowel tumors.

Comparison of double balloon enteroscopy in adults and children

AIM: To compare results of double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) procedures in pediatric and adult patients. METHODS: The medical files of patients who underwent DBE at Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey between 2009 and 2011 were examined retrospectively. Adult and pediatric patients were compared according to DBE indications, procedure duration, final diagnosis, and complications. DBE procedures were performed in an operating room under general anesthesia by two endoscopists. An oral or anal approach was preferred according to estimated lesion sites. Overnight fasting of at least 6 h prior to the start of the procedure was adequate for preprocedural preparation of oral DBE procedures. Bowel cleansing was performed by oral administration of sennosides A and B solution, 2 mL/kg, and anal saline laxative en-ema. The patients were followed up for 2 h after the procedure in terms of possible complications. RESULTS: DBE was performed in 35 patients (5 pediatric and 30 adult). DBE procedures were performed for abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, bleeding, chronic vomiting, anemia, and postoperative evaluation of anastomosis. Final diagnosis was diffuse gastric angiodysplasia (n = 1); diffuse jejunal angiodysplasia (n = 1); ulceration in the bulbus (n = 1); celiac disease (n = 1); low differentiated metastatic carcinoma (n = 1); PeutzJeghers syndrome (n = 1); adenomatous polyp (n = 1) and stricture formation in anastomosis line (n = 1). During postprocedural follow-up, abdominal pain and elevated amylase levels were noted in three patients and one patient developed abdominal perforation. CONCLUSION: With the help of technological improvements, we may use enteroscopy as a safe modality more frequently in younger and smaller children.

Double-balloon enteroscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: A single center experience in China

AIM: To evaluate the diagnostic value of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). METHODS: The data about 75 OGIB patients who underwent DBE in January 2007-June 2009 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: DBE was successfully performed in all 75 patients without complication. Of the 75 patients, 44 (58.7%) had positive DBE findings, 22 had negative DBE findings but had potential bleeding at surgery and capsule endoscopy, etc . These 66 patients were finally diagnosed as OGIB which was most commonly caused by small bowel tumor (28.0%), angiodysplasia (18.7%) and Crohn’s disease (10.7%). Lesions occurred more frequently in proximal small bowel than in distal small bowel (49.3% vs 33.3%, P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: DBE is a safe, effective and accurate procedure for the diagnosis of OGIB.