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Published on: August 26, 2014
Single versus double balloon enteroscopy for small bowel diagnostics: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Seth Lipka1, Roshanak Rabbanifard, Ambuj Kumar
1*Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine †Department of Medicine, Division of Evidence Based Medicine and Outcomes Research, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL.
Double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and single balloon enteroscopy (SBE) show similar efficacy for deep enteroscopy. This meta-analysis found no significant differences in diagnostic yield, therapeutic success, or safety between DBE and SBE.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endoscopy
- Medical Technology Assessment
Background:
- Double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and single balloon enteroscopy (SBE) are key techniques for deep enteroscopy.
- Existing randomized controlled trials comparing DBE and SBE have yielded conflicting results.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis is needed to clarify the comparative efficacy of DBE and SBE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze randomized controlled trials comparing double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and single balloon enteroscopy (SBE).
- To assess the comparative efficacy of DBE versus SBE in terms of diagnostic and therapeutic yield.
- To evaluate secondary outcomes including failure rates, adverse events, and procedure characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of four randomized controlled trials involving 375 patients.
- Searched MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) up to February 28, 2014.
- Primary outcomes: diagnostic and therapeutic yield. Secondary outcomes: failure rates, adverse events, complete enteroscopy, insertion depths, and procedure times.
Main Results:
- DBE showed no significant advantage over SBE in therapeutic yield (RR 1.11, P=0.33) or diagnostic yield (RR 1.08, P=0.42).
- No significant differences were observed in failure rates, adverse events, or complete enteroscopy rates between DBE and SBE.
- Procedure times and insertion depths did not differ significantly between the two enteroscopy modalities.
Conclusions:
- Double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and single balloon enteroscopy (SBE) demonstrate comparable performance.
- Similar efficacy was noted for diagnostic and therapeutic yields, insertion depths, procedure times, and safety profiles.
- The findings suggest that SBE and DBE are interchangeable for deep enteroscopy procedures.
