Balloon-Assisted Enteroscopy and Capsule Endoscopy in Suspected Small Bowel Crohn’s Disease

Hsu-Heng Yen,Chen-Wang Chang,Jen-Wei Chou,Shu Chen Wei 대한소화기내시경학회 2017 Clinical Endoscopy Vol.50 No.5

Inflammatory bowel diseases are idiopathic inflammatory diseases of two main types, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s disease can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract, and the distal ileum is involved in up to 70% of patients. Moreover, Crohn’s disease in one-quarter to one-third of patients involves isolation of the small bowel. Due to the nonspecific symptoms and anatomical location of the disease, small bowel Crohn’s disease is a phenotype that is particularly difficult to manage. Since the introduction of capsule endoscopy in 2000 and balloon-assisted enteroscopy in the 21st century, it is now possible to directly inspect for small bowel Crohn’s disease. However, the new modalities still have limitations, such as capsule retention and invasiveness of balloon-assisted enteroscopy. The diagnostic yields of both capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy are high for patients with suspected small bowel Crohn’s disease. Therefore, earlier use of capsule endoscopy or balloon-assisted enteroscopy can help with the diagnosis and earlier treatment of these patients to avert possible disastrous outcomes.

Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Single- versus Double-Balloon Enteroscopy Performed by Endoscopist Experts in Single-Balloon Enteroscopy: A Single-Center Experience and Meta-Analysis

( Tae Jun Kim ),( Eun Ran Kim ),( Dong Kyung Chang ),( Young-ho Kim ),( Sung Noh Hong ) 대한간학회 2017 Gut and Liver Vol.11 No.4

Background/Aims: Studies concerning the efficacy and safety of single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) compared with that of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) often appear to be conflicting. However, previous studies were performed by endoscopists who were less experienced in SBE compared with DBE. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of SBE and DBE data performed by a single enteroscopist, with expertise in SBE, using a prospective balloon-assisted enteroscopy registry from 2013 to 2015. Furthermore, we performed a comprehensive literature search and metaanalysis of available studies, including the current study, to clarify the efficacy and safety of SBE versus DBE. Results: A total of 65 procedures in 44 patients with SBE and 74 procedures in 69 patients with DBE were analyzed. There were no significant differences in diagnostic yield (61.1% vs 77.3%, respectively, p=0.397), therapeutic yield (39.1% vs 31.8%, respectively, p=0.548), and complication rate (4.4% vs 2.3%, p=1.000). In the meta-analysis, which included four randomized controlled trials and three observational studies, there were no significant differences in the pooled relative risk and odds ratio for diagnostic and therapeutic yield and complications of SBE compared with those of DBE. Conclusions: The performance of SBE appears to be similar to that of DBE in terms of diagnostic and therapeutic yield and complications. (Gut Liver 2017;11:520-527)

Risk factors for recurrent stenosis after balloon dilation for benign hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic stricture

Takafumi Mie,Takashi Sasaki,Takeshi Okamoto,Tsuyoshi Takeda,Chinatsu Mori,Yuto Yamada,Takaaki Furukawa,Akiyoshi Kasuga,Masato Matsuyama,Masato Ozaka,Naoki Sasahira 대한소화기내시경학회 2024 Clinical Endoscopy Vol.57 No.2

Background/Aims: Hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic stricture (HJAS) is a feared adverse event associated with hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. Although balloon dilation for benign HJAS during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with balloon-assisted enteroscopy has been reported to be useful, the treatment strategy remains controversial. Therefore, we evaluated the outcomes and risk factors of recurrent stenosis after balloon dilation alone for benign HJAS. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients who underwent balloon-assisted enteroscopy-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for benign HJAS at our institution between July 2014 and December 2020. Results: Forty-six patients were included, 16 of whom had recurrent HJAS after balloon dilation. The patency rates at 1 and 2 years after balloon dilation were 76.8% and 64.2%, respectively. Presence of a residual balloon notch during balloon dilation was an independent predictor of recurrence (hazard ratio, 2.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–7.78; p=0.048), whereas HJAS within postoperative 1 year tended to be associated with recurrence (hazard ratio, 2.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.85–6.89; p=0.096). The patency rates in patients without a residual balloon notch were 82.1% and 73.1% after 1 and 2 years, respectively. Conclusions: Balloon dilation alone may be a viable option for patients with benign HJAS without residual balloon notches on fluoroscopy.

Roles of Capsule Endoscopy and Balloon-Assisted Enteroscopy in the Optimal Management of Small Bowel Bleeding

Hani Abutalib,Tomonori Yano,Satoshi Shinozaki,Alan Kawarai Lefor,Hironori Yamamoto 대한소화기내시경학회 2020 Clinical Endoscopy Vol.53 No.4

The small bowel had long been considered a dark unapproachable tunnel until the invention of capsule endoscopy and doubleballoon enteroscopy in the 21st century, which revolutionized the diagnosis and management of small bowel diseases, includingbleeding. Various imaging modalities such as computed tomographic enterography, angiography, capsule endoscopy, and balloonassisted enteroscopy play vital roles in the diagnosis and management of small bowel bleeding. The choice of modality to use andtiming of application differ according to the availability of the modalities, patient’s history, and physician’s experience. Small bowelbleeding is managed using different strategies as exemplified by medical treatment, interventional radiology, endoscopic therapy,or surgical intervention. Balloon-assisted enteroscopy enables endoscopic interventions to control small bowel bleeding, includingelectrocautery, argon plasma coagulation, clip application, and tattooing as a prelude to surgery. In this article, we clarify the recentapproaches to the optimal diagnosis and management of patients with small bowel bleeding.

Small Bowel Stent-in-Stent Placement for Malignant Small Bowel Obstruction Using a Balloon-Assisted Overtube Technique

Daniel Popa,Jayapal Ramesh,Shajan Peter,C. Mel Wilcox,Klaus Mönkemüller 대한소화기내시경학회 2014 Clinical Endoscopy Vol.47 No.1

Self-expanding metal stents are a useful therapy to palliate malignant and benign luminal gastrointestinal obstruction. Self-expanding metal stents has been widely reported for colonic, esophageal, and gastric obstruction. However, endoscopic delivery and placement to the small bowel is more challenging and difficult. This case illustrates the usefulness and technical advantages of the balloon-overtube and enteroscopy technique for the palliative treatment of neoplastic stenosis affecting the small intestine.

Enteroscopy in Crohn’s Disease: Are There Any Changes in Role or Outcomes Over Time? A KASID Multicenter Study

( Seong Ran Jeon ),( Jin-oh Kim ),( Jeong-sik Byeon ),( Dong-hoon Yang ),( Bong Min Ko ),( Hyeon Jeong Goong ),( Hyun Joo Jang ),( Soo Jung Park ),( Eun Ran Kim ),( Sung Noh Hong ),( Jong Pil Im ),( S 대한간학회 2021 Gut and Liver Vol.15 No.3

Background/Aims: Although balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) enables endoscopic visualization of small bowel (SB) involvement in Crohn’s disease (CD), there is no data on the changes in outcomes over time. We therefore investigated the changes in BAE use on CD patients over different time periods in terms of its role and clinical outcomes. Methods: We used a multicenter enteroscopy database to identify CD patients with SB involvement who underwent BAE (131 procedures, 116 patients). We compared BAE-related factors and outcomes between the first period (70 procedures, 60 patients) and the second period (61 procedures, 56 patients). The specific cutoff point for dividing the two periods was 2007, when BAE guidelines were introduced. Results: Initial diagnosis of SB involvement in CD was the most common indication for BAE during each period (50.0% vs 31.1%, p=0.034). The largest change was in the number of BAE uses for stricture evaluation and/or treatment, which increased significantly in the latter period (2.9% vs 21.3%, p=0.002). The diagnostic yield in patients with suspected CD was 90.7% in the first period and 95.0% in the second (p=0.695). More endoscopic interventions were performed in the second period than in the first (5.1% vs 17.6%, p=0.041). Enteroscopic success rates were high throughout (100% in the first period vs 80.0% in the second period, p>0.999). In the first and second periods, therapeutic plans were adjusted in 62.7% and 61.4% of patients, respectively. Conclusions: The overall clinical indications, outcomes, and effectiveness of BAE were constant over time in CD patients with SB involvement, with the exception that the frequency of enteroscopic intervention increased remarkably. (Gut Liver 2021;15:375-382)

Steroid-refractory extensive enteritis complicated by ulcerative colitis successfully treated with adalimumab

( Shinji Okabayashi ),( Taku Kobayashi ),( Tomohisa Sujino ),( Ryo Ozaki ),( Satoko Umeda ),( Takahiko Toyonaga ),( Eiko Saito ),( Masaru Nakano ),( Maria Carla Tablante ),( Shojiroh Morinaga ),( Tosh 대한장연구학회 2017 Intestinal Research Vol.15 No.4

Extracolonic involvement of the gastrointestinal tract is extremely uncommon in ulcerative colitis (UC) and rarely found in the upper gastrointestinal tract or in postoperative cases since it typically responds to steroids. Here we report a case of UC complicated by extensive ileal inflammation that was refractory to steroids. A 20-year-old man was diagnosed with UC of typical pancolitis without ileal involvement and started treatment with pH-dependent mesalazine and oral prednisolone. Although his symptoms transiently resolved, the condition flared when the steroid dose was tapered down. Computed tomography revealed marked thickening of the ileal wall, and capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy found diffuse mucosal inflammation with ulcers in the ileum. On the contrary, the inflammation in the colon and rectum was improving. Since the response to the second steroid course was inadequate, treatment with adalimumab and 6-mercaptopurine was initiated and finally achieved clinical and endoscopic remission. The investigation of small intestinal lesions is necessary in patients with UC whose clinical deterioration cannot be explained by colonic lesions. (Intest Res 2017;15:535-539)

Endoscopic features of gastrointestinal stromal tumor in the small intestine

Yutaro Ihara,Takehiro Torisu,Tomohiko Moriyama,Junji Umeno,Atsushi Hirano,Yasuharu Okamoto,Yoshifumi Hori,Hidetaka Yamamoto,Takanari Kitazono,Motohiro Esaki 대한장연구학회 2019 Intestinal Research Vol.17 No.3

Background/Aims: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is one of the most common types of submucosal tumors (SMTs). Because of GIST’s malignant potential, it is crucial to differentiate it from other SMTs. The present study aimed to identify characteristic endoscopic findings of GISTs in the small intestine. Methods: We reviewed the clinicopathological and endoscopic findings of 38 patients with endoscopically or surgically resected SMTs in the small intestine. SMTs were classified into GIST and non-GIST groups, and clinicopathological and endoscopic findings were compared between the 2 groups. Results: Fifteen patients had GIST and 23 patients had other types of SMTs in the small intestine. Comparison of the endoscopic findings between the 2 groups revealed that dilated vessels in the surrounding mucosa were significantly more in number in the GIST group than in the non-GIST group (P<0.05). However, there were no other differences in endoscopic findings between the 2 groups. Among patients with GISTs, the presence of dilated vessels in the surrounding mucosa was not associated with bleeding risk, tumor size, or metastasis rate at diagnosis. Conclusions: Dilated vessels in the surrounding mucosa, identified during balloon-assisted endoscopy, may be a diagnostic indicator for GIST in the small intestine. However, its clinical significance should be further analyzed.

Prototype single-balloon enteroscopy with passive bending and high force transmission improves depth of insertion in the small intestine

( Yasuhiro Morita ),( Shigeki Bamba ),( Osamu Inatomi ),( Kenichiro Takahashi ),( Takayuki Imai ),( Masaki Murata ),( Masashi Ohno ),( Masaya Sasaki ),( Tomoyuki Tsujikawa ),( Akira Andoh ) 대한장연구학회 2020 Intestinal Research Vol.18 No.2

Background/Aims: We retrospectively analyzed Crohn’s disease (CD) patients with small intestinal strictures who underwent single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) to ascertain whether prototype SBEs with a passive bending mechanism and high force transmission insertion tube had better insertability in the small intestine than a conventional SBE. Methods: Among 253 CD patients who underwent SBE, we identified 94 CD patients who had undergone attempted endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) for small intestinal stenosis for inclusion in this study. We analyzed whether the type of scope used for their initial procedure affected the cumulative surgery-free rate. For the insertability analysis, patients who underwent SBE at least twice were divided into 3 groups according to the type of scope used: conventional SBE only, prototype SBE only, and both conventional and prototype SBEs. For each group, depth of insertion, procedure time, and number of EBDs were compared in the same patient at different time points. Results: The success rate of EBD was 88.3%. The 5- and 10-year cumulative surgery-free rate was 75.7% and 72.8%, respectively. Cox regression analysis indicated that the factors contributing to surgery were long stricture (≥2 cm), EBD failure, and elevated Crohn’s Disease Activity Index, but not the type of scope used for EBD. The prototype SBEs significantly improved the depth of insertion (P=0.03, Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test). Conclusions: In CD patients with small intestinal stenosis, the prototype SBEs with a passive bending mechanism and high force transmission insertion tube did not improve long-term EBD outcome but did improve deep insertability. (Clinical Trial Registration No. UMIN000037102) (Intest Res 2020;18:229-237)

Magnified single-balloon enteroscopy in the diagnosis of intestinal follicular lymphoma: a case series

( Kenichiro Takahashi ),( Shigeki Bamba ),( Masahiro Kawahara ),( Atsushi Nishida ),( Osamu Inatomi ),( Masaya Sasaki ),( Tomoyuki Tsujikawa ),( Ryoji Kushima ),( Mitsushige Sugimoto ),( Katsuyuki Kit 대한장연구학회 2018 Intestinal Research Vol.16 No.4

The objective of this study was to evaluate the magnified endoscopic findings in the diagnosis of follicular lymphoma in the small intestine in comparison with those of intestinal follicular lymphoma and lymphangiectasia. Four patients with follicular lymphoma and 3 with lymphangiectasia in the small intestine were retrospectively analyzed. A prototype magnifying single-balloon enteroscope was used. The findings of the intestinal follicular lymphoma and lymphangiectasia were retrospectively analyzed to determine the magnified endoscopic findings of follicular lymphoma in the small intestine. Opaque white granules were observed in 3 of the 4 patients with follicular lymphoma. Magnified narrow-band imaging (NBI) of the opaque white granules showed stretched microvessels, which had a diminutive tree-like appearance. The remaining patient had no opaque white granules and only displayed whitish villi. Magnified NBI observation of the whitish villi revealed the absence of marginal villus epithelium, which was confirmed by histology. The magnified NBI enteroscopy revealed the diminutive tree-like appearance on the opaque white granules and the absence of marginal villus epithelium of the whitish villi in intestinal follicular lymphoma. These findings may be useful in diagnosing follicular lymphoma. (Intest Res 2018;16:628-634)