Endoscopic techniques for small bowel imaging

Abstract

Advances in small bowel enteroscopy have led to an increase in the endoscopic evaluation and management of small bowel disorders. The entire small bowel can now be visualized in a noninvasive manner by capsule endoscopy, while therapeutic management can be performed with deep enteroscopy techniques, including balloon-assisted and spiral enteroscopy. Each of these enteroscopy tools has its unique advantages and disadvantages, which need to be taken into consideration during selection of the appropriate tool. Capsule endoscopy and deep enteroscopy are often used as complementary tests in the evaluation of small bowel disorders.