Spiral enteroscopy: a preliminary experience in Asian population

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Endoscopy
• Small Bowel Imaging

Background:

• The small bowel presents challenges for endoscopic access.
• Spiral enteroscopy is a novel technique utilizing a specialized over-tube system for deep small bowel intubation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of spiral enteroscopy with an Olympus enteroscope (SIF Q 180).
• To assess spiral enteroscopy in an Asian patient population.

Main Methods:

• Eleven patients underwent spiral enteroscopies between January and March 2010.
• Indications included obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, Crohn's disease, malabsorption syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, and Osler Weber Rendu disease.

Main Results:

• Successful advancement of spiral enteroscopy in all 11 patients.
• Average insertion depth of 249 cm past the ligament of Treitz.
• Identified findings such as ulcers, polyps, arteriovenous malformations, and lymphangiectasia without major complications.

Conclusions:

• Initial experience suggests spiral enteroscopy is easy to perform.
• Spiral enteroscopy is faster than balloon-assisted enteroscopy.
• The procedure is relatively safe for deep small bowel intubation.