CO2- vs. Luft-Insufflation bei der Doppelballon-Enteroskopie – Eine randomisierte kontrollierte Doppelblind-Studie

Background: Double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) has been proven effective for deep intubation of the small bowel. However, intubation depth is limited by distension of the small bowel due to air insufflation during the procedure. The present trial investigates whether carbon dioxide (CO2) instead of standard air insufflation would improve intubation depth during DBE, as well as reduce post-procedure pain. Patients and methods: 112 consecutive patients scheduled for DBE at two centres were randomly assigned to either CO2 or air insufflation. Patients and endoscopists were blinded with regard to the type of gas used.…