Effect of Abdominal Compression on Total Single-Balloon Enteroscopy Rate: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Devices
• Endoscopic Procedures

Background:

• Single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) is a valuable tool for small bowel examination.
• Optimizing SBE procedural success, particularly achieving total enteroscopy, remains an area of clinical interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if applying abdominal compression during SBE enhances the rate of total enteroscopy.
• To investigate factors influencing total enteroscopy success in SBE procedures.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized study involving 200 patients undergoing SBE at two institutions.
• Patients were allocated to either an abdominal compression group or a non-abdominal compression group.
• Total enteroscopy rates were compared between the groups, with subgroup analysis for patients with and without prior abdominal surgery or small intestinal stenosis.

Main Results:

• The total enteroscopy rate was significantly higher in the abdominal compression group (73%) compared to the non-compression group (16%) (P<.001).
• Abdominal compression was independently associated with a higher likelihood of achieving total enteroscopy (OR, 16.68; P<.001).
• Patients with prior abdominal surgery or small intestinal stenosis had lower rates of total enteroscopy (47%) compared to those without (84%) within the compression group (P<.001).

Conclusions:

• Abdominal compression is an effective method to significantly increase the total enteroscopy rate during SBE procedures.
• Achieving complete total enteroscopy may be more challenging in patients with a history of abdominal surgery or small intestinal stenosis.