Single-Operator Versus Dual-Operator Double-balloon Endoscopy in Patients With Small-Bowel Disorders

Prospective Trial Comparing Single-Operator and Dual-Operator Double-balloon Endoscopy in Patients With Small-Bowel Disorders

Double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) is a new device that allows diagnosis and treatment throughout the entire small intestine. Although the originally described method requires two operators, the investigators have recently developed a method to perform DBE by a single operator. The investigators here assessed the clinical usefulness of this one-person method in comparison to the conventional two-person DBE.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. suspected or known small-bowel disease
2. age: 16-70

Exclusion Criteria:

1. pregnancy
2. coagulation disorders
3. prior surgery of the small bowel and colon