Milestone in gastrointestinal endoscopy: double-balloon enteroscopy of the small bowel

The small bowel (SB) has been largely bypassed by flexible endoscopy because of inaccessibility. Push enteroscopy is now in the past, with recent innovations now making visualization of the SB possible. Wireless capsule endoscopy (CE) and double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) have been introduced. In this review, we focus on the diagnostic and therapeutic modalities of DBE, which may be a suitable replacement for push enteroscopy, preoperative endoscopy and to some extent of SB fall-through and CT scan. DBE is a new method of endoscopy developed and described by Yamamoto et al. in Jichi, Japan, in cooperation with Fujinon. Introduced to the market in 2003, it is possible with this endoscope to observe the entire SB in steps of 20-40 cm. Measuring the depth of insertion is also possible. Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding can be explained and treated in the majority of cases. Biopsy sampling, hemostasis, polypectomy, dilatation and tattoo are possible in the SB. Guidelines for FAB and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome will probably be reviewed in the next few years. The safety and efficacy of DBE have been demonstrated. DBE improves SB disease management and can substitute for more complex investigations. Additional data will come to light in years to come. Combining DBE with CE, CT/MRI enteroclysis in a new era for SB work-up and treatment is the likely future.