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Updated: May 21, 2026

Murine Endoscopy for In Vivo Multimodal Imaging of Carcinogenesis and Assessment of Intestinal Wound Healing and Inflammation
Published on: August 26, 2014
Small bowel endoscopy in children
L de Ridder1, M M Tabbers, J C Escher
1Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Paediatric Gastroenterology, Department of Paediatrics, Dr. Molewaterplein 60, 3015 GJ Rotterdam, The Netherlands. l.deridder@erasmusmc.nl
Insights
Pediatric small bowel endoscopy is challenging. Video capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy offer new diagnostic tools for children, with this review defining their clinical uses.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Minimally Invasive Diagnostics
Background:
- Small bowel examination in children presents challenges due to anatomical factors.
- Traditional endoscopic methods are limited in visualizing the entire small intestine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on pediatric capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy.
- To define clinical indications and practical aspects of these advanced endoscopic techniques in children.
Main Methods:
- Literature appraisal of recent studies on pediatric enteroscopy.
- Analysis of clinical data regarding capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy.
Main Results:
- Video capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy are emerging as valuable tools for pediatric small bowel pathology.
- These techniques offer improved diagnostic capabilities compared to traditional methods.
Conclusions:
- Capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy are increasingly utilized in pediatric care.
- Understanding their indications and practicalities is crucial for effective clinical application.
Abstract:
Endoscopic investigation of small bowel pathology in children has historically been difficult due to location, length and tortuosity of the small bowel. Recently, video capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy techniques have evolved as new diagnostic tools and are increasingly used in the paediatric population. In this review the current literature is appraised to define the clinical indications and practical aspects of capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy in children.
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