Single-balloon enteroscopy-assisted direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy

Direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (DPEJ) has emerged as a viable alternative for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with jejunal extension (PEG-J) in patients who cannot tolerate gastric feeding. Reportedly, DPEJ placement with regular endoscopes fails in up to one-third of cases. The aim of the current study was to assess the efficacy and safety of single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE)-assisted DPEJ. The DPEJ placement technique was comparable to conventional PEG placement. A total of 12 DPEJ procedures were performed in 11 patients (mean age 55 years [range 24-83 years]; seven males). SBE-assisted DPEJ was successful in 11 of the 12 procedures (92%). Post-procedural complications included gastroparesis and aspiration pneumonia in one case each. We conclude that SBE-assisted DPEJ placement seems a safe and successful approach for patients requiring jejunal enteral feeding.