Effectiveness of Double Balloon Enteroscopy in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Small Bowel Varices

Background/Aims: Double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is an innovative method for the diagnosis and management of small bowel (SB) diseases. SB varices are rare disorders, and their diagnosis and treatment can be challenging for clinicians. This study evaluates the use of double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in diagnosing and treating small bowel varices. Materials and Methods: SB varices were detected in 28 out of 900 double balloon enteroscopy procedures over an 18-year period. Eleven cases of SB varices of various etiologies, diagnosed via DBE, are described. The characteristics of SB varices and endoscopic procedural details were evaluated. Results: A retrospective investigation of 750 patients identified eleven patients (eight males and three females; median age 59 years, range 40–80 years) with small bowel varices. The most common site of SB varices was the jejunum. At least one abdominopelvic surgical procedure had been previously performed on five patients. Endotherapy by DBE was administered to nine patients (seven emergent and two prophylactic). Post-endotherapy, three patients experienced bleeding that required re-endotherapy. Endoscopic therapy for small bowel varices included injection sclerotherapy in eight cases (six with cyanoacrylate and two with polidocanol) and injection sclerotherapy plus hemoclipping in one case. Conclusions: SB varices can present a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. DBE is a valuable tool for both the diagnosis and management of small bowel varices.