New technology may greatly improve the quality of life of many patients

Delray Beach, Fla. (January 19, 2016) – The endoscopy department at Delray Medical Center now has the technology to examine the small bowel for abnormalities and administer treatment therapies using a non-invasive procedure. The double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) uses a flexible scope to perform a complete endoscopic evaluation of the small intestine. It gives access to areas beyond the reach of conventional endoscopes.

“This advanced technique is considered to be the ‘gold standard’ of endoscopic treatment for the small bowel,” said Dr. Theodore Doukides, a gastroenterologist on the medical staff at Delray Medical Center. “DBE is associated with minimal discomfort and a very low complication rate.”

The procedure uses a balloon at the end of a special enteroscope camera and an overtube, which is also fitted with a balloon. While the patient is sedated, the enteroscope and overtube are inserted through the mouth and passed into the small bowel. Then, the endoscope is placed in front of the overtube, and the balloon at the end is inflated.

Using the assistance of friction at the interface of the enteroscope and intestinal wall, the small bowel is accordioned back to the overtube. The overtube balloon is then deployed, and the enteroscope balloon is deflated. The process continues until the entire small bowel is visible. The procedure typically takes about two hours.

In addition, DBE can be used as a more comfortable alternative to surgery for the following procedures:

• Removal of tissue for biopsy
• Removal of small tumors and abnormal growths (i.e.: polyps)
• Treatment of bleeding problems (anemia)
• Dilation of strictures
• Diagnosis of small bowel diseases

“The addition of this technology allows us to offer patients and their families even more advanced care and treatment options close to home,” added Mark Bryan, hospital CEO.

DBE may be a potential alternative for other clinical applications, including difficult colonoscopies and access to the pancreatic and biliary tract in patients with altered postoperative anatomy. It may also be helpful in diagnosing and treating Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease and gastrointestinal lymphoma.

For more information, please visit call 1-800-897-9789.