The Evolution of Device-Assisted Enteroscopy: From Sonde Enteroscopy to Motorized Spiral Enteroscopy

The introduction of capsule endoscopy in 2001 opened the last “black box” of the gastrointestinal tract enabling complete visualization of the small bowel. Since then, numerous new developments in the field of deep enteroscopy have emerged expanding the diagnostic and therapeutic armamentarium against small bowel diseases. The ability to achieve total enteroscopy and visualize the entire small bowel remains the holy grail in enteroscopy. Our journey in the small bowel started historically with sonde type enteroscopy and ropeway enteroscopy. Currently, double-balloon enteroscopy, single-balloon enteroscopy, and spiral enteroscopy are available in clinical practice. Recently, a novel motorized enteroscope has been described with the potential to shorten procedure time and allow for total enteroscopy in one session. In this review, we will present an overview of the currently available techniques, indications, diagnostic yield, and complications of device-assisted enteroscopy.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia diagnosed by enteroscopy: a case report

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a very rare autosomal dominant multisystemic disease. Patients with this disease usually present with punctate mucocutaneous telangiectasias and arteriovenous malformations. The diagnostic criteria currently in use are the Curaçao criteria. HHT is considered a clinical diagnosis; thus, no imaging or preclinical laboratory is mandatory, and diagnosis and management are performed according to the experience of the treating team. We herein describe a 58-year-old man with no significant medical history who presented with a 15-day history of intermittent hematochezia. He was admitted to the hospital and underwent a series of laboratory tests, including colonoscopy, which showed normal results. Therefore, the patient was discharged with a diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding. During his second visit to the emergency room, the doctors requested video capsule endoscopy because of the patient’s history, and a diagnosis of HHT was made. The entire approach and treatment were completed with antegrade double-balloon enteroscopy. This case highlights the importance of endoscopic methods for timely diagnosis and proper management.