A new transnasal sonde type fiberscope (SSIF type VII) as a pan-enteroscope

The sonde type enteroscopes (SSIF, Olympus) are long, slender, flexible instruments which resemble the Miller-Abbott or Cantor tube. To date, six types of SSIF (types I-VI) designed for oral insertion have been available. These scopes are introduced into the lower part of the small intestine by peristalsis, and the examination was seldom risky. The patient, however, often complained of pharyngeal discomfort, which reduced his tolerance. A new enteroscope, the SSIF type VII, with no metal hood and slender enough to permit nasal insertion has been developed. Enteroscopy with this fiberscope is adequately tolerable, even in the case of a long examination, and observation of most of the small intestine is possible without risk or discomfort.