Management of small-bowel polyps at double-balloon enteroscopy

Abstract

Small bowel tumors (SBTs) are uncommon, insidious in presentation, and frequently represent a diagnostic challenge. The advent of video capsule endoscopy (VCE) and double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) is a significant breakthrough for visual diagnosis of SBTs throughout the small bowel. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and fluoroscopic enteroclysis had significantly lower diagnostic yields of tumors that were 10 mm or smaller in diameter, but VCE and DBE had high diagnostic yields regardless of tumor size. Regarding SBTs larger than 10 mm in diameter, CECT had a significantly lower diagnostic yield of epithelial tumors compared to subepithelial tumors, whereas fluoroscopic enteroclysis and DBE had high diagnostic yields regardless of the tumor type. VCE had a slightly lower diagnostic yield of subepithelial tumors (78%) compared to epithelial tumors. Therefore, a combined examination method by using CECT and VCE is useful for screening of SBTs. In case suspicious of stenosis, patency capsule should be performed to confirm passage before VCE. DBE is useful for further precise examination including biopsy and ultrasonography by using miniature probe, and enteroscopic treatment. After medical, enteroscopic, and surgical treatment, VCE is helpful for follow-up. DBE is safe and useful in resecting the SBTs deep within the small bowel without laparotomy. Indications of enteroscopic resection may be benign tumors regardless of epithelial or subepithelial type, localizing in the mucosal or submucosal layer, which are symptomatic at present or possibly symptomatic or transforming in the future. Malignant tumors localized in the mucosal layer may be indications although detecting at an early stage is challenging. In this review article, we describe management of SBTs/polyps by various modalities.

Keywords: Double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE); endoscopic resection; small bowel tumor (SBT); video capsule endoscopy (VCE).