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Published on: October 16, 2013
Enteroscope without overtube for cecal intubation after an incomplete colonoscopy
Franco Coppola1, Silvia Gaia, Maurizio Cosimato
1Department of Gastroenterology, San Giovanni Bosco Hospital, Torino, Italy. fvcoppola@libero.it
Summary
Single balloon enteroscopy (SBE) effectively increases cecal intubation rates in patients with incomplete colonoscopies. This method, used without overtube-balloon equipment, offers a safe and valuable alternative for diagnostic colonoscopy.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endoscopy
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Cecal intubation is a key goal in colon endoscopic evaluation.
- Standard colonoscopies remain incomplete in 5-10% of cases, even with experienced endoscopists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utility of single balloon enteroscope (SBE) for incomplete colonoscopies.
- To evaluate SBE's effectiveness without overtube-balloon equipment.
Main Methods:
- Prospective enrollment of patients with incomplete standard colonoscopies (January 2009 - July 2010).
- Colonoscopy performed using a single balloon enteroscope by a single expert operator.
- Examinations conducted during the same session as the initial incomplete colonoscopy.
Main Results:
- Cecal intubation achieved in 93.6% (74/79) of patients during the SBE procedure.
- A new diagnosis was established in 43% (34/79) of cases.
- Overall, SBE use contributed to a 99.2% (898/905) cecal intubation rate when combined with initial attempts.
Conclusions:
- Single balloon enteroscope without overtube-balloon equipment is effective.
- This technique significantly increases cecal intubation rates following standard colonoscopy failure.
- SBE offers a safe and well-tolerated option for improving colonoscopy completion.
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