P324 Deep enteroscopy after balloon dilatation for differential diagnosis of small bowel stricture

C.H. Lim, J. Kim

Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea Republic of

Background

Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and low-dose aspirin may result in gastrointestinal complications including ulceration, bleeding, and stricture. Chronic fibrosis and chronic ulcerations form bowel stricture which is the most severe stage of NSAIDs induced enteropathy. Capsule endoscopy and balloon enteroscopy may provide detailed information of small bowel mucosal lesions such as longitudinal ulceration suggesting Crohn’s disease. However, more distal or proximal evaluation above stricture is impossible due to severe stricture. Nowadays, balloon dilatation through the enterosope is available and can dilate stricture site by expanding force. This technique allows enteroscope to pass of stricture site and provides accurate evaluation of more proximal or distal small bowel above the stricture. We report our experience of small bowel evaluation after balloon dilatation.

Methods

Nine patients with small bowel stricture and history of NSAIDs between 2012 February and 2019 October were analysed. All patients with small bowel stricture had symptoms including abdominal pain, abdominal fullness, or vomiting and enteroscope could not pass the stricture site. Balloon dilatations were performed with through the scope balloon from 8 mm to 15 mm diameter in these patients. After adequate dilation, enteroscope passage could pass the stricture site. Detailed mucosal evaluation of more proximal or distal small bowel above the stricture was performed.

Results

Successful and adequate balloon dilation of small bowel stricture was achieved in 9 of 9 patients. Additional deep and longitudinal ulceration suggesting Crohn’s disease was found after successful passage of enteroscope in 3 of 9 patients. In 6 of 9 patients, additional chronic shallow ulcerative lesions without deep and longitudinal ulceration was found after eneteroscope passage. Deep enteroscopy after balloon dilatation provided important diagnostic clue and treatment strategy in 3 of 9 patients.

Conclusion

Deep small bowel evaluation above the stricture after balloon dilatation may provide additional and detailed information for differential diagnosis of small bowel stricture.