Role of Single Balloon Enteroscopy in Patients with suspected Small Bowel Disease

Abstract

Back ground: Single Balloon Enteroscopy (SBE) is a novel method of balloon assisted enterosocpy which allows deeper intubation of small bowel and has therapeutic potentials in addition to establishing a diagnosis. The current study was carried out to study the spectrum of various diseases involving the small bowel and study its role of therapeutic intervention. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Medical Gastroenterology, M S Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore. A total of 80 patients were included in the study with suspected small bowel disease.Results: A total of 80 patients have undergone entreroscopy procedures. Approach was per oral in 41.25%, per rectal in 27.5% and both in 31.25%. The predominant presenting symptoms were pain abdomen in 75%, loose stools in 27% and suspected GI bleed in 25%. Positive findings on CT Abdomen were seen in 40%. Enteroscopy showed Ileal lesions in 26.25%, Jejunal lesions in 23.75%, GIST in 3.75% and Dielafoy’s lesion in 2.5%. Compiling Jejunal&Ileal findings Crohn’s diseases was seen in 57.5%. Interventions performed in 13.75% and were CRE dilatation in 5%, APC in 3.75%, Hemoclips in 3.75% and EVL in 1.25%. The overall diagnostic yield was 64% and diagnostic yield for pain abdomen was 61.76%, loose stools was 62.9%, vomiting was 77.77%, weight loss was 86.66%, suspected crohn’s was 68.25% and Abnormal CT findings was 71.87%.Conclusion: SBE appears to be safe and effective method for diagnosis and treatment of small bowel diseases. It demonstrates a high diagnostic yield, avoids cumbersome surgeries and provides easy way of performing therapeutic interventions even in the deeper loops of the small bowel.