Balloon probe for the colonoscopic small intestinal enema (CE)

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Radiology
• Endoscopy

Background:

• Colonoscopy is a standard procedure for examining the colon.
• Radiological examination of the small intestine is often performed separately.
• There is a need for integrated examination methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel method for colonoscopic small intestinal enema (CE).
• To assess the utility of a new balloon probe for CE.
• To enable simultaneous endoscopic and radiological examination of the colon and distal small intestine.

Main Methods:

• A new balloon probe, passable through the endoscope's instrumentation channel, was developed.
• This probe eliminates the need for pre-fitting a circular balloon to the colonoscope.
• Colonoscopic small intestinal enema (CE) was performed using the new probe.

Main Results:

• CE allows radiological examination of the distal small intestine during colonoscopy.
• The colon and small intestine can be examined in a single session.
• The new balloon probe simplifies the CE procedure and allows for flexible timing.

Conclusions:

• The novel balloon probe facilitates efficient colonoscopic small intestinal enema (CE).
• This technique allows for integrated examination of the colon and distal small intestine.
• CE is valuable for investigating unexpected findings, such as ileocecal valve inflammation.