Therapeutic small bowel endoscopy

Double-balloon enteroscopy was first introduced in 2001, followed by single-balloon enteroscopy in 2007, allowing endoscopic evaluation and therapy of the small bowel. Since the introduction of both balloon-assisted enteroscopy techniques, endoscopic therapeutic options have evolved rapidly. Argon plasma coagulation, polypectomy, dilation therapy of strictures, and therapy of the pancreatico-biliary system in patients with surgically altered proximal intestinal anatomy: have all been successfully introduced to treat pathological findings in all segments of the small bowel. The clinical impact of treatment of vascular malformations, polypectomy and strictures caused by chronic inflammation therapy seems evident. The overall complication rate of therapeutic balloon-assisted enteroscopy seems acceptable, but is higher compared to therapeutic colonoscopy which needs further attention in future. Copyright

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