Introduction
The development of the double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) system in 2001 and later, the single balloon enteroscopy (SBE) in 2007 allowed direct visualisation, biopsies and therapeutic interventions of lesions in the small bowel. Previous studies comparing these two techniques show mixed results. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of single balloon and double balloon enteroscopy with regards to technical success, diagnostic yield, therapeutic success and complication rates.
Aims & Methods
The development of the double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) system in 2001 and later, the single balloon enteroscopy (SBE) in 2007 allowed direct visualisation, biopsies and therapeutic interventions of lesions in the small bowel. Previous studies comparing these two techniques show mixed results. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of single balloon and double balloon enteroscopy with regards to technical success, diagnostic yield, therapeutic success and complication rates.
Results
There were 82 patients in the DBE group and 45 patients in the SBE group. The main indications were suspected GI bleeding (DBE 41.5% vs. SBE 48.9%), iron deficiency anemia (DBE 9.8% vs. SBE 4.4%) and small bowel lesions (DBE 28.0% vs. SBE 44.4%) with positive imaging modality, either from prior capsule endoscopy or radiological imaging. Majority of the cases via antegrade approach (DBE 67.1% vs. SBE 77.8%). We found no significant difference in the technical success (DBE 95.1% vs. SBE 97.8%, p=0.46), diagnostic success (DBE 65.9% vs. SBE 77.8%, p=0.36) and the therapeutic success rate (DBE 61.1% vs. SBE 51.4%, p=0.09) between the groups. Complications occurred in one case from each group (mucosal tear).
Conclusion
The efficacy of DBE and SBE are similar with regards to technical success, diagnostic yield, therapeutic success and complication rate.
