DOUBLE BALLOON ENTEROSCOPY

Double Balloon Enteroscopy - Imaging the entire small bowel

Double Balloon Enteroscopy is a new endoscopic technique that allows a specially trained clinician to navigate the entire small bowel from either an oral or rectal approach.  This new endoscope is currently available at St. Mark's Hospital, and Dr Chris Fraser is the clinical lead for this exciting new development.

Double balloon enteroscopy will aid in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of small bowel disease. This new technique will allow specialist clinicians to perform both diagnostic and therapeutic techniques within the small bowel, without the need of an open surgical procedure.

The new double-balloon enteroscope features two balloons, one attached to the distal end of the scope and the other attached to a transparent tube sliding over the endoscope. When inflated with air, the balloons can grip sections of the small intestine and "shorten" the small intestine by pleating it over the endoscope. Sequential shortening of the small intestine over the endoscope and advancement of the endoscope enables a comprehensive examination of the entire small intestine.

To download a patient information sheet CLICK HERE


      Fig 1 - Double Balloon Enteroscope & Overtube System
      Fujinon Medical Inc.