Intraoperative enteroscopy for diagnosis of a bleeding jejunal lymphangioma

A patient with recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding from a jejunal lymphangioma is described. Multiple preoperative diagnostic studies, including sonde enteroscopy, failed to reveal a bleeding source. A bleeding lymphangioma was subsequently detected by intraoperative enteroscopy of the small bowel. Intraoperative enteroscopy was a useful diagnostic technique in this patient with otherwise unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding.     

Intraoperative enteroscopy in the management of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding has long been a diagnostic challenge because of the relative inaccessibility of small bowel to standard endoscopic evaluation. Intraoperative enteroscopy indications have been reduced by the development of deep enteroscopy techniques and video capsule endoscopy. In light of the current advances, this review aimed at evaluating the intraoperative enteroscopy technical aspects, study results and an ongoing role for intraoperative enteroscopy in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding management. Intraoperative enteroscopy allows complete small bowel exploration in 57–100% of cases. A bleeding source can be identified in 80% of cases. Main causes are vascular lesions (61%) and benign ulcers (19%). When a lesion is found, intraoperative enteroscopy allows successful and recurrence-free management of gastrointestinal bleeding in 76% of cases. The reported mortality is 5% and morbidity is 17%. The recurrence of bleeding is observed in 13–52% of cases. With the recent development of deep enteroscopy techniques, intraoperative enteroscopy remains indicated when small bowel lesions (i) have been identified by a preoperative work-up, (ii) cannot be definitively managed by angiographic embolization, endoscopic treatment or when surgery is required and (iii) cannot be localized by external examination during surgical explorations. Surgeons and endoscopists must exercise caution with intraoperative enteroscopy to avoid the use of a low yield, highly morbid procedure.     

Small bowel enteroscopy in undiagnosed gastrointestinal blood loss.

Sixty five of 70 consecutive patients with undiagnosed gastrointestinal blood loss were examined using the new technique of small bowel enteroscopy. Using a balloon driven sonde enteroscope (SIF-SW) extended views of the small bowel were obtained as far as the distal ileum. Medium length of small bowel examined was 140 cm (range (30-200 cm). All patients studied had a normal upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Nineteen (41%) of 46 anaemic rheumatoid arthritis patients taking non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) and three (27%) of 11 patients with unexplained iron deficiency, were found to have small bowel lesions to account for their anaemia. Small bowel lesions were found in a further three of eight (37%) patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding. The procedure failed or was terminated in five patients. Small bowel enteroscopy has considerable potential in the investigation of undiagnosed gastrointestinal blood loss and deserves more widespread application.     

Intra-operative enteroscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

Small bowel enteroscopy has been reported useful in the non-surgical evaluation of the small intestine in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding but findings may be limited due to incomplete small bowel intubation and a lack of tip deflection. Intra-operative enteroscopy (IOE) is accepted as the ultimate diagnostic procedure for complete evaluation of the small bowel in these patients. Two patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and deep anemia underwent IOE during surgical exploration. Angiodysplastic lesion with a diameter of 3 cm was found at jejunum in the first patient and segmental jejunal resection was performed. Enteroscopy showed red punctate lesions with a diameter of 1-3 mm located at proximal jejunum and extending to the ileum in the second patient. Total jejunal resection was performed. There was no recurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding during 36 months follow-up.     

Total intraoperative enteroscopy using a colonoscope for detecting the bleeding point

We report a case of bleeding in the small intestine of a 59-year-old man that was successfully diagnosed and treated by total intraoperative enteroscopy. The patient was admitted to our hospital because of gastrointestinal bleeding. Gastroscopy, colonoscopy and mesenteric arteriography could not identify the bleeding point. Technetium-99m-labeled red blood cell scintigraphy suggested bleeding from the small intestine but could not reveal the precise lesion. As the patient presented melena and went into a state of shock, we performed emergency laparotomy with total intraoperative enteroscopy using a colonoscope. A small ulceration was found at the jejunum, and subsequently partial resection of the jejunum was performed. The lesion was diagnosed histopathologically as angiodysplasia. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on the 24th postoperative day. Bleeding in the small intestine is rare and difficult to diagnose but it sometimes induces a severe condition. Total intraoperative enteroscopy using a colonoscope is effective for detecting the bleeding point in the small intestine and can be performed at most centers without special fiberscopes and techniques.     

Diagnostic value of push-type enteroscopy: a report from India

OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess the diagnostic value of push-type enteroscopy in relation to indications. METHODS: Ninety-nine consecutive patients (mean age, 42+/-15 yr; 65 men) with suspected small bowel disorders underwent push enteroscopy. The indications were chronic diarrhea (n = 54), obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (n = 21), abdominal pain (n = 10), abnormal radiological studies of small bowel (n = 5), iron deficiency anemia (n = 5), and others (n = 4). Push enteroscopy was performed using the Olympus SIF-10 (160-cm) enteroscope. RESULTS: Endoscopic examination of the jejunum was successful in all the patients, except one with a distal duodenal stricture. The length of the jejunum examined ranged from 10 to 70 cm. The time taken to complete the procedure varied from 2 to 30 min. Lesions were found in nine (42.8%) patients with obscure GI bleeding; six (28.5%) had worms (Ascaris lumbricoides [n = 3], Ankylostoma duodenale [n = 3]) in the jejunum, producing multiple erosions and bleeding points. In the chronic diarrhea group, a diagnosis was made in 13 (24%) patients on enteroscopic visualization and jejunal histology: celiac disease (n = 6), tropical sprue (n = 3), Crohn's disease (n = 1), secondary lymphangiectasia (n = 1), strongyloidiasis (n = 1), and nodular lymphoid hyperplasia with giardiasis (n = 1). In patients with abdominal pain, enteroscopy provided a diagnosis in one (10%) patient. No positive diagnosis could be made on enteroscopy in patients with iron deficiency anemia and abnormal radiological studies of small bowel. CONCLUSION: Push-type enteroscopy is a useful test in the evaluation of patients with obscure GI bleeding and chronic diarrhea. In developing countries, in patients with obscure GI bleeding, the presence of worms in the jejunum is an important finding on enteroscopy. Tropical sprue, giardiasis, and strongyloidiasis are distinct findings in patients with chronic diarrhea in the present series.     

术中内镜对不明原因下消化道出血的应用价值

为探讨术中内镜检查对不明原因下消化道出血诊断的临床应用价值,我们总结了过去２０年间３２例常规检查不能明确病因和部位的下消化道出血患者的术中内镜应用结果。方法是通过手术探查切口插入内镜向口侧至十二指肠向肛侧至回盲瓣进行检查。结果诊断明确率达１００％,其中以小肠肿瘤和血管发育不良最为常见。结论术中内镜检查对于不明原因的下消化道出血是一种准确性高安全可靠的检查方法,不仅可明确出血的部位和原因还能指导选择手术的方式。     

Accurate diagnosis and successful treatment for massive obscure small intestinal bleeding by means of intra-operative enteroscopy: a case report

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding from the jejunum and ileum is always difficult to diagnose. Unstable patients with massive bleeding are not good candidates either for radiological studies or traditional endoscopic techniques. They usually need urgent operations to stop the bleeding. To identify the lesions, intraoperative enteroscopy is crucial for a better curing rate and for preventing massive unnecessary bowel resection. We report a 53-year-old unstable patient with massive obscure small intestinal bleeding. Urgent laparotomy with intraoperative enteroscopy was done. Two bleeding ulcers in the distal ileum were accurately identified and the diseased ileum was resected. Intraoperative enteroscopy may be a choice of diagnostic and therapeutic modality for unstable patients with obscure small intestinal bleeding.     

Iron deficiency anaemia: a review of diagnosis, investigation and management

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is the most common form of anaemia worldwide. In men and postmenopausal women the commonest cause of IDA is blood loss from lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, making it a common cause of referral to gastroenterologists. Causes of IDA relate either to blood loss or iron malabsorption. After confirmation with laboratory tests, gastrointestinal evaluation is almost always indicated to exclude gastrointestinal malignancy. Specific patient groups such as premenopausal women, patients with low-normal ferritin and iron-deficient patients without anaemia may need an individualized approach. A small proportion of patients have recurrent or persistent IDA despite negative standard endoscopies. These patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding usually require evaluation of the small bowel with capsule endoscopy or double balloon enteroscopy. Treatment should involve prompt iron replacement plus diagnostic steps directed towards correcting the underlying cause of IDA. Oral iron replacement is cheap and effective, but parenteral (intravenous) therapy may be required due to intolerance, noncompliance or treatment failure with oral therapy.     

Total peroral intraoperative enteroscopy for obscure GI bleeding using a dedicated push enteroscope: diagnostic yield and patient outcome.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative enteroscopy is an effective diagnostic and therapeutic method in selected patients with obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. The passage of a colonoscope orally and then rectally or the use of multiple enterotomies, has been used to completely inspect the small bowel. However, the development of dedicated enteroscopes allows complete inspection using the peroral route. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the diagnostic yield, patient outcome, and success in reaching the terminal ileum using a video enteroscope passed orally during intraoperative enteroscopy. METHODS: The hospital charts of 12 patients who underwent intraoperative enteroscopy for GI bleeding of obscure origin and 2 patients with a known source (angioectasias) who underwent evaluation to determine extent were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The terminal ileum was reached in 13 of 14 patients (jejunal stricture in 1 patient). Of the patients with bleeding of obscure origin (n = 12) a source was identified in 7 (angioectasias 4, lymphoma 1, carcinoid 1, nevuslike lesion 1). Surgical therapy was performed in these 7 patients and resulted in no further bleeding in 5. Bleeding recurred in 4 of the 5 patients who had no source identified during intraoperative enteroscopy. Of the 2 patients undergoing intraoperative enteroscopy to evaluate extent of angioectasias, additional angioectasias were found in 1 patient; both patients underwent surgical resection, and 1 patient had recurrent bleeding. Complications included serosal tears, 3 (2 requiring resection); avulsion of superior mesenteric vein, 1; postoperative congestive heart failure, 2; azotemia, 1; and prolonged ileus, 1. There were no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The terminal ileum was reached 93% of the time with intraoperative enteroscopy. For patients with GI bleeding of obscure origin the diagnostic yield of intraoperative enteroscopy was 58%. Major operative morbidity occurred in 4 patients.     

The small bowel as a source of gastrointestinal blood loss

The small bowel is a rare but important source of blood loss from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In approximately 5% of all patients with GI bleeding, no cause for the bleeding is evident even after an extensive workup. This bleeding is often termed "gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin" or "obscure gastrointestinal bleed" (OGIB). Recent advancements in enteroscopy have contributed to a better understanding of the small bowel as a source of bleeding. On average, 27% of patients with OGIB have been shown to have lesions in the small bowel, with common findings including arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and small bowel tumors. The trend in primary diagnostic workup for obscure GI bleeding or suspected small bowel lesions is shifting toward enteroscopic examination. Availability of an accessory channel now offers the clinician management options such as endoscopic injection therapy, electrocautery, and polypectomy. The "gold standard" for examination of the entire small bowel is intraoperative enteroscopy. A newer technique involving laparascopic assistance may lower the morbidity associated with this examination. Combined hormonal therapy may be an alternative treatment for patients with AVMs or an unknown cause of bleeding after enteroscopic examination.     

Ileo-ileal invagination – a cause of recurrent mid-gastrointestinal bleeding: Diagnostic and endoscopic therapy by means of push-and-pull enteroscopy

The types of lesions that cause bleeding in the small bowel are similar to those found in other areas in the gastrointestinal tract, such as vascular malformations, ulcers and inflammatory lesions, neoplasms and other less common lesions like Meckel's diverticulum.

This report describes three patients with suspected mid-gastrointestinal bleeding with no significant past medical history. Before presenting to our unit the diagnostic work-up such as oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy and radiological small bowel imaging such as conventional enteroclysis or magnet resonance imaging enteroclysis had been performed without detecting any bleeding source. Capsule endoscopy suspected an angiodysplasia in the terminal ileum in one patient, in the other two patients a polyp in the region of the ileum as the potential bleeding source was diagnosed. In all three patients, a polyp with an ulcerated tip was found with the anal push-and-pull enteroscopy. An endosocpic resection was performed in all three cases without complication with the exception of one. In this patient a perforation occured 3 days after resection and was treated surgically without further complications. Histology revealed in all three cases, a polypoid diaphragmatic invagination of the small bowel with a vast area of chronic ulceration on the tip of this pseudopolyp with infiltration of the muscularis propria.

In summary, the present paper describes the rare cases of erosive pseudopolyps after ileo-ileal invagination treated with endoscopic resection by means of push-and-pull enteroscopy.     

The role of video capsule endoscopy in the evaluation of iron deficiency anaemia.

It is widely accepted that chronic occult blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract is a major cause of iron deficiency anaemia. Endoscopists are often asked to evaluate iron deficiency anaemia and identify the source of bleeding. This review offers an effective diagnostic strategy for this common clinical problem. After investigating the normal upper and lower parts of the gastrointestinal tract, the source of bleeding remains unidentified in about 10% of patients. The existing guidelines for evaluation of iron deficiency anaemia in patients above the age of 45, who have undergone standard upper and lower gastrointestinal examinations, are limited to a "treat and observe" phase. Small bowel X-ray series fail to detect many mucosal lesions, particularly vascular ectasias. While enteroscopy offers direct visual inspection of the small bowel mucosa beyond the reach of the standard upper endoscopes, this instrument reaches only 80-120 cm beyond the ligament of Treitz and its sensitivity in identifying the source of bleeding varies (24-75% of patients). A new and conceptually simple approach to examining the entire small intestine is video capsule endoscopy of the small bowel. This review addresses the optimal role of video capsule endoscopy in iron deficiency anaemia patients and offers guidelines for the appropriate gastrointestinal evaluation in such patients.     

Diagnostic and therapeutic push type enteroscopy in clinical use.

This study describes small bowel push enteroscopy in routine clinical practice, using a purpose designed instrument (Olympus SIF-10). Fifty six patients had a total of 60 procedures over a two and a half year period. The median (range) depth of small intestine intubated was 45 (15-90) cm. Procedure time varied from 10-45 minutes. Most enteroscopies were performed during routine gastroscopy lists. The technique was comparatively easy for experienced endoscopists to learn. Forty two procedures were for diagnostic purposes. Eleven patients had gastrointestinal bleeding where the source was obscure, or where early investigations had suggested a small bowel source: a specific diagnosis was made in 45% of these cases. Of seven iron deficient anaemic patients using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), only one had a lesion detected in the upper small bowel. Nine patients had abnormal small bowel barium studies. Small bowel abnormalities were seen in six cases and were definitively diagnostic in three of these; in three patients the barium study appearances were confirmed as artefact. Fifteen patients were investigated for abdominal symptoms suggesting small bowel obstruction or malabsorption: a diagnosis was made in five cases. Fifteen patients underwent enteroscopy for therapeutic purposes, including successful treatment of difficult enteral feeding problems by nasojejunal tubes or by cutaneous endoscopic jejunostomies, polypectomy for Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, and dilatation of strictures. Additionally, bleeding lesions detected in patients during investigation of anaemia were successfully treated at the time by YAG laser or bipolar diathermy. In conclusion, push enteroscopy is a practical and valuable clinical service, which should probably become available on a subregional basis.     

Push-and-pull enteroscopy using the double-balloon technique/double-balloon enteroscopy

Push-and-Pull enteroscopy/Double balloon enteroscopy (PPE/DBE) allows enteroscopy of the entire small bowel, or at least a substantial part of it. The complication rate is acceptably low. Severe complications such as pancreatitis and perforation were encountered in the literature in approximately 1% of all diagnostic PPE/DBEs. It can be expected that the complication rate of therapeutic PPE/DBEs is higher, comparable with the conventional endoscopy. The diagnostic yield is high, at approximately 75%, as is the therapeutic yield. The option of carrying out endoscopic therapy (in approximately 40%–50% of cases in the Western hemisphere) is an important aspect. Angiodysplasias are the main bleeding source, at least in Western countries. Using the PPE/DBE device, endoscopic treatments such as endoscopic hemostasis using injection and argon plasma coagulation, polypectomy, endoscopic resection, balloon dilation, and foreign-body extraction have become feasible even in the small intestine and can generally be performed safely and without relevant technical problems. Medical therapy can be started in up to 20% of cases—e.g., after a new or changed diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Surgical therapy is required in 10–20% of cases, due to malignant tumors or complex stenoses, for example. The main indication is mid-gastrointestinal bleeding.     

Video push enteroscopy in the investigation of small bowel disease: defining clinical indications and outcomes

Background: Push enteroscopy is a new technique for investigation of the small intestine. The clinical indications are still being defined. It also offers the potential for therapeutic intervention in suitable cases. Aims: To evaluate further the role of push enteroscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with suspected or known small bowel disease. Methods: A prospective record was kept of all patients having enteroscopy at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital between March 1995 and July 1997. The procedure was performed 73 times in 68 patients. Indications and diagnoses were noted. The outcome in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding or anaemia in whom a vascular lesion was treated with a heater probe was also determined. Results: Enteroscopy was performed in 23 patients for gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin. An active or possible bleeding source was found in 13 (57%). The commonest of these was jejunal angiodysplasia. In the 21 patients with chronic iron deficiency anaemia a lesion was found in ten (48%). The majority of these were in the stomach, as described by others. The diagnostic yield in the 16 patients having enteroscopy for known or suspected small bowel disease was 56%. One patient underwent balloon dilatation of a postoperative jejunal stricture. Eleven patients with obscure bleeding or anaemia had ablation of a vascular lesion with a heater probe. Transfusion requirements fell after this procedure, particularly in those with active bleeding at the time of the examination. In five of the 11 no further transfusions were required in over six months of follow-up. Conclusions: The most common indications for enteroscopy are obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, chronic anaemia and known or suspected small bowel disease. A positive result can be expected in over 50% of patients. The treatment of vascular lesions via the enteroscope has a significant impact of subsequent transfusion requirements. (Aust NZ J Med 1998; 28: 198–203.)     

Small bowel bleeding

Opinion statement The management of patients with small bowel bleeding remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. In most gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, the source of hemorrhage is localized to either the upper gastrointestinal tract or colon; however, in about 5% of cases, upper endoscopy and colonoscopy are nondiagnostic, and the small intestine is the site of bleeding. Patients with suspected small bowel source of bleeding may present with either occult blood loss or recurrent overt gastrointestinal hemorrhage requiring frequent blood transfusions and hospitalizations. Knowing the etiology and site of hemorrhage is essential prior to initiating appropriate therapy. The most common causes of small bowel bleeding are vascular ectasia, tumors, ulcerative diseases, and Meckel’s diverticula. For patients with severe obscure bleeding, push enteroscopy with a 220- to 250-cm enteroscope is strongly recommended. This procedure provides not only a thorough examination for diagnosis, but also allows for biopsy, tattooing, and hemostasis of lesions. If enteroscopy is nondiagnostic, capsule endoscopy is recommended. A diagnostic capsule endoscopy will direct appropriate medical, endoscopic, or surgical intervention, depending on whether the lesion is single or multiple, and whether the patient is a surgical candidate for intraoperative enteroscopy. Intraoperative enteroscopy should be strongly considered in patients with recurrent bleeding and a nondiagnostic evaluation. Laparoscopy and intraoperative enteroscopy is highly recommended in young patients (< 50 years of age) because there is an increased frequency of small bowel tumors and Meckel’s diverticulum which are amenable to surgical therapy.     

Outcome of patients who have undergone total enteroscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM: To assess the diagnostic success and outcome among patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding who underwent total enteroscopy with double-balloon endoscopy.METHODS: Total enteroscopy was attempted in 156 patients between August 2003 and June 2008 at Hiroshima University Hospital and achieved in 75 (48.1%). It is assessed whether sources of bleeding were identified, treatment methods, complications, and 1-year outcomes (including re-bleeding) after treatment, and we compared re-bleeding rates among patients.RESULTS: The source of small bowel bleeding was identified in 36 (48.0%) of the 75 total enteroscopy patients; the source was outside the small bowel in 11 patients (14.7%) and not identified in 28 patients (37.3%). Sixty-one of the 75 patients were followed up for more than 1 year (27.2 ± 13.3 mo). Four (6.6%) of these patients showed signs of re-bleeding during the first year, but bleeding did not recur after treatment. Although statistical significance was not reached, a marked difference was found in the re-bleeding rate between patients in whom total enteroscopy findings were positive (8.6%, 3/35) and negative (3.8%, 1/26) (3/35 vs 1/26, P = 0.63).CONCLUSION: A good outcome can be expected for patients who undergo total enteroscopy and receive proper treatment for the source of bleeding in the small bowel.     

Small bowel tumours: yield of enteroscopy.

A total of 258 patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding were referred for small bowel enteroscopy, a procedure which allows endoscopic evaluation of most of the small intestine. A small bowel tumour was found in 5% of patients. In 50% of patients no diagnosis could be made, but when the cause of obscure bleeding was discovered small bowel tumours were the single most common lesion in patients younger than 50 years. Small bowel tumours causing gastrointestinal bleeding may remain undetected despite extensive diagnostic evaluation. We conclude that small bowel tumours are the most common cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding in patients less than 50 years of age. Small bowel enteroscopy is diagnostic of small bowel tumours even when all previous diagnostic studies, including enteroclysis and angiography, are negative.     

Role of small bowel capsule endoscopy in the diagnosis and management of iron deficiency anemia in elderly: A comprehensive review of the current literature

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is common and often under recognized problem in the elderly. It may be the result of multiple factors including a bleeding lesion in the gastrointestinal tract. Twenty percent of elderly patients with IDA have a negative upper and lower endoscopy and two-thirds of these have a lesion in the small bowel (SB). Capsule endoscopy (CE) provides direct visualization of entire SB mucosa, which was not possible before. It is superior to push enteroscopy, enteroclysis and barium radiography for diagnosing clinically significant SB pathology resulting in IDA. Angioectasia is one of the commonest lesions seen on the CE in elderly with IDA. The diagnostic yield of CE for IDA progressively increases with advancing age, and is highest among patients over 85 years of age. Balloon assisted enteroscopy is used to treat the lesions seen on CE. CE has some limitations mainly lack of therapeutic capability, inability to provide precise location of the lesion and false positive results. Overall CE is a very safe and effective procedure for the evaluation of IDA in elderly.