Endoscopy
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Carbon dioxide insufflation improves intubation depth in double-balloon enteroscopy: a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial.
Double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) has been proven effective for deep intubation of the small bowel. However, intubation depth is limited by distention of the small bowel due to air insufflation during the procedure. The present trial investigated whether carbon dioxide (CO (2)) instead of standard air insufflation would improve intubation depth during DBE, as well as reduce postprocedure pain. ⋯ CO (2) insufflation significantly extended intubation depth in DBE. CO (2) insufflation also reduces patient discomfort. CO (2) insufflation may lead to a higher diagnostic and therapeutic yield of DBE, with reduced patient discomfort.