Double Balloon Enteroscopy (DBE) and Capsule Endoscopy
Double Balloon Enteroscopy (DBE) and Capsule Endoscopy
1. Double Balloon Enteroscopy (DBE)
Technique:
- DBE is an advanced endoscopic procedure that allows deep intubation of the small intestine.
- Uses an enteroscope with two balloons—one on the scope and another on an overtube.
- The balloons inflate and deflate in sequence to grip and shorten the small intestine, allowing stepwise advancement.
- Can be performed via oral (antegrade) or anal (retrograde) routes, depending on the lesion location.
- Allows real-time therapeutic interventions such as biopsies, polyp removal, dilation of strictures, and treatment of bleeding.
Indications:
- Unexplained gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (occult or overt).
- Suspected or confirmed small bowel tumors.
- Crohn’s disease with suspected small bowel involvement.
- Small bowel polyps (e.g., Peutz-Jeghers syndrome).
- Chronic diarrhea of unknown origin.
- Strictures or obstructions requiring dilation.
- Retrieval of foreign bodies.
- Follow-up after abnormal findings on capsule endoscopy.
2. Capsule Endoscopy
Technique:
- A patient swallows a small, wireless video capsule with a built-in camera, light source, and transmitter.
- The capsule travels through the digestive tract, capturing images of the small intestine.
- Images are transmitted to a recorder worn by the patient and later analyzed.
- The capsule is excreted naturally without intervention.
- Provides a non-invasive, full-length visualization of the small intestine.
Indications:
- Evaluation of obscure GI bleeding.
- Diagnosis of small bowel tumors.
- Assessment of Crohn’s disease extent and severity.
- Investigation of unexplained iron-deficiency anemia.
- Screening for polyposis syndromes (e.g., Peutz-Jeghers).
- Celiac disease with atypical presentation.
- Monitoring small bowel lesions in chronic GI conditions.
