Small bowel polyps and tumours: endoscopic detection and treatment by double-balloon enteroscopy

Background Double-balloon enteroscopy has allowed us not only to inspect deeply the small bowel but also to carry out interventions for diseases of the small bowel. Aim To evaluate the utility of double-balloon enteroscopy for the diagnosis and therapy of these lesions. Methods All patients undergoing double-balloon enteroscopy for evaluation of small bowel polyps and tumours during a 3.75-year period at a university referral hospital were studied. The types of polyps and tumours as well as endoscopic technique of removal, surgery and complications were documented. Results The incidence of small bowel polyps and tumours in-patients undergoing DBE was 9.6%. A total of 40 double-balloon enteroscopy procedures were performed in 29 patients [13 female (44.8%), mean age 51 years, range 22-74]. The following lesions were found most frequently: adenomas in familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome, n = 8; hamartomas, n = 4 (Peutz-Jeghers and Cronkhite Canada syndromes), jejunal adenocarcinoma n = 5, neuroendocrine tumour n = 4 and others n = 6. Conclusions The incidence of small bowel tumours in those in-patients who were undergoing double-balloon enteroscopy was 10%. Double-balloon enteroscopy is useful for the diagnosis and treatment of small bowel polyps and tumours.