Complications of enteroscopy: how to avoid them and manage them when they arise

Abstract

Deep small bowel enteroscopy is a safe procedure that has revolutionized the strategy for diagnosis and treatment of small bowel diseases. However, enteroscopy-associated adverse events are more common compared with standard endoscopy. Prevention, early detection, and effective intervention are crucial in reducing the adverse event severity and improving outcomes. In this article, how to safely perform enteroscopy, avoid adverse events, detect adverse events early, and accomplish effective treatments are discussed. This knowledge can serve as a continuing quality improvement process to reduce the risk of future adverse events and improve the overall quality of endoscopy.

Keywords: Adverse events; Double-balloon enteroscopy; Enteroscopy; Pancreatitis; Perforation; Single-balloon enteroscopy; Small bowel endoscopy; Spiral enteroscopy.