22 March 2019 What is a double-balloon enteroscopy? Double-balloon enteroscopy is an endoscopic examination that makes it possible to evaluate the whole of the small intestine. The procedure was developed in 2001 and makes it possible to: Diagnose disorders of the small intestine; Carry out certain therapeutic interventions. How is a double-balloon enteroscopy carried out? The double-balloon enteroscopy examination is carried out with the person lying down, and uses a two metre flexible tube known as a double-balloon enteroscope. It has a light source and a video camera at one end that transmit amplified, high-definition images to a monitor in the room where the scan is performed. The enteroscope also has two balloons which, once inflated, attach themselves to the surface of the small intestine, allowing its controlled progression and enabling visualisation. Access to the small intestine for the double-balloon enteroscopy can be made via the mouth or the anus. As well as being the only method currently available for making a detailed, real-time assessment of the entire small intestine , the double-balloon enteroscopy also makes it possible to: Carry out therapeutic procedures (e.g. collecting tissue fragments - biopsy); Treat various types of problems (e.g. haemorrhagic lesions, remove polyps and dilate stenosis). Double-balloon enteroscopy is always performed under anaesthetic , which significantly reduces the discomfort that can be associated with it. The anaesthesia does not mean that the patient has to be admitted to hospital , and they will be free to leave the site shortly after the examination has been completed. However, they should be accompanied by someone who can provide assistance if necessary. In what situations is a double-balloon enteroscopy carried out? It is always up to the doctor to decide whether there is a need for a particular test, depending on the individual characteristics of each person and their complaints or illness. As a general rule, it may be advisable to perform a double-balloon enteroscopy in the following cases: Gastrointestinal bleeding; Diarrhoea and chronic abdominal pain of unknown cause; Stenosis (narrowing) of the small intestine; Suspected Crohn’ s disease or tumours of the small intestine; Extraction of foreign bodies; Therapeutic intervention based on findings from other examinations; Clarification of issues arising from other examinations. How long does a double-balloon enteroscopy take? It takes around 60-90 minutes , on average, to perform a double-balloon enteroscopy. However, it may take longer, especially if there is also a need for therapeutic procedures. After the scan is complete, the patient should wait until they have fully recovered. This period should be spent resting in a place provided specifically for this purpose. What are the limitations of double-balloon enteroscopy? Double-balloon enteroscopy is a technique that can miss lesions and diagnoses , even when the examination is carried out correctly. Are there any side effects, risks or complications associated with double-balloon enteroscopy? The risks associated with performing a double-balloon enteroscopy are rare , but they do exist, as with any other examination where devices or medicinal products are used. The incidence of these risks varies in accordance with each individual case and depends on any drugs or additional procedures that may need to be carried out. The rate of complications is estimated to be 1 case in 200 . These complications include: Intestinal perforation; Bleeding. Rarely, cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) have also been reported. To reduce the risk of complication it is essential the physician is informed of: Allergies; Other pre-existing diseases; Ongoing treatments. At the hospitals and clinics of the Hospital da Luz network, there are gastroenterologists who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases and who can perform the necessary examinations for your condition. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
