Clinical application of single-balloon enteroscopy in children with small intestinal bleeding

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnostic value and safety of single-balloon electronic enteroscopy in children with small intestinal bleeding. METHODS: Seventy children with clinically suspected small intestinal bleeding, including 38 males and 32 females aged 4-13 years, underwent single-balloon enteroscopy under general anesthesia. Twenty-six cases underwent the procedure through the mouth, 32 cases through the anus, and 12 cases through both. RESULTS: Of the 70 children, 58 (83%) had small bowel disease according to the single-balloon enteroscopy results, including 24 cases of non-specific inflammation, 12 cases of allergic purpura, 8 cases of Crohn′s disease, 8 cases of Meckel′s diverticulum, and 6 cases of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Single-balloon enteroscopy is a safe, effective means for the diagnosis of small intestinal bleeding among children.