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[Endoscopy of the small intestine]
1Instituto Nacional de Gastroenterología, Habana, Cuba.
Acta Gastroenterologica Latinoamericana
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Push jejunoscopy using a colonoscope is a safe and effective method for diagnosing small bowel diseases like bleeding and diarrhea. Biopsies are crucial, as normal endoscopic views can mask conditions such as intestinal villi atrophy.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endoscopy
- Digestive tract diseases
Context:
- Small bowel pathology presents diagnostic challenges due to its inaccessibility.
- Radiological techniques like double-contrast imaging have limitations in evaluating small bowel lesions.
- Advancements in endoscopy offer new possibilities for exploring the small intestine.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of "push" jejunoscopy using a colonoscope for small bowel examination.
- To assess the diagnostic yield of this technique in patients with obscure bleeding and diarrhea.
Summary:
- A study involving 32 patients utilized "push" jejunoscopy with a large sterilized colonoscope.
- Indications included unexplained bleeding and diarrhea, revealing conditions such as jejunitis, lymphoma, bleeding polyps, and multiple polyposis.
- Importantly, five patients with partial intestinal villi atrophy showed normal endoscopic mucosa, highlighting the necessity of biopsies in all cases.
- The procedure demonstrated an absence of complications, indicating its safety and reliability.
Impact:
- "Push" jejunoscopy with a colonoscope provides a safe and effective diagnostic tool for small bowel pathology.
- The findings underscore the critical importance of tissue biopsy for accurate diagnosis, even with normal endoscopic findings.
- This technique offers a valuable option for investigating obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and diarrhea.