OBJECTIVE: Double-balloon enteroscopy is a new method that allows complete visualization of the lumen of small bowel. This study was conducted to evaluate safety, extent of observation and clinical efficacy of double-balloon push enteroscopy in diagnosis of patients with small bowel disease in children. METHODS: Fourteen cases suspected of small bowel diseases with negative findings on examinations with various routine diagnostic modalities underwent double-balloon push enteroscopy from June, 2003 to May, 2005. Of the 14 cases, 13 had gastrointestinal bleeding and iron deficient anemia and 1 case had chronic diarrhea, the causes of these conditions were unknown. RESULTS: The enteroscopy reached jejunal-ileum transitional area, middle or lower portion of ileum and terminal ileum in 2, 10 and 2 cases, and the examination time was 40-50 min, 55-70 min and 78-89 min, respectively. Lesions were detected in 12 of 14 the cases. The positive diagnostic rate was 85.7%. There were no relevant technical problems or severe complications. CONCLUSION: Double-balloon push enteroscopy is a safe, reliable diagnostic modality of high clinical value for small bowel diseases in children.
OBJECTIVE: Double-balloon enteroscopy is a new method that allows complete visualization of the lumen of small bowel. This study was conducted to evaluate safety, extent of observation and clinical efficacy of double-balloon push enteroscopy in diagnosis of patients with small bowel disease in children. METHODS: Fourteen cases suspected of small bowel diseases with negative findings on examinations with various routine diagnostic modalities underwent double-balloon push enteroscopy from June, 2003 to May, 2005. Of the 14 cases, 13 had gastrointestinal bleeding and iron deficient anemia and 1 case had chronic diarrhea, the causes of these conditions were unknown. RESULTS: The enteroscopy reached jejunal-ileum transitional area, middle or lower portion of ileum and terminal ileum in 2, 10 and 2 cases, and the examination time was 40-50 min, 55-70 min and 78-89 min, respectively. Lesions were detected in 12 of 14 the cases. The positive diagnostic rate was 85.7%. There were no relevant technical problems or severe complications. CONCLUSION: Double-balloon push enteroscopy is a safe, reliable diagnostic modality of high clinical value for small bowel diseases in children.