Double-balloon enteroscopy in two dogs.

Abstract

It is difficult to insert a flexible endoscope deep into the small intestine. A new method, double-balloon enteroscopy, has been developed to improve access to the small intestine, and the aim of this study was to evaluate its usefulness for examination of the small intestine of dogs. The method uses two balloons, one attached to the tip of the endoscope and another attached to the tip of an overtube. The double-balloon endoscope is advanced through the intestine by being held alternately by the balloon on the endoscope and the balloon on the overtube. The technique was applied in two dogs of medium size, using both oral and anal approaches, and it was possible to examine the whole surface of the mucosa of their small intestines.