Motorized Spiral Enteroscopy: Multicenter prospective study on performance and safety including in patients with surgically-altered gastrointestinal anatomy

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Data are scarce on the efficacy and safety of the Motorized spiral enteroscopy (MSE). No data are available on the utility of this technique in patients with surgically-altered gastrointestinal (GI) anatomy. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MSE in patients with suspected small-bowel disease including those with surgically-altered GI anatomy.

METHODS: A multicenter prospective observational, uncontrolled study evaluated MSE in consecutive patients with suspected small-bowel pathology indicated for diagnostic and/or therapeutic intervention.

RESULTS: A total of 170 patients (median age, 64 years; range 18-89 years; 102 male, 68 female) were included. The overall diagnostic yield was 64.1%. Endotherapy was performed in 53.5% of procedures. The median total procedure time for antegrade and retrograde approach was 45 minutes (IQR=30-80) and 40 (IQR=30-70) respectively. When total (pan-)enteroscopy was intended, this was achieved at rate of 70.3%, (28.1% by antegrade approach and 42.1% by a bi-directional approach). Surgically-altered GI anatomy was present in 34/170 (20%) of the all procedures and in 11/45 (24.4%) of the successful total enteroscopy procedures. Propofol sedation or general anesthesia were used in 92.9% and 7% of the procedures respectively. Minor adverse events were observed in 15.8% of patients, but no major adverse events.

CONCLUSION: MSE seems to be effective and safe endoscopic procedure. Total (pan-)enteroscopy can be achieved, in one or two sessions, even in the presence of surgically-altered GI anatomy. The total procedure time is relatively short. For both antegrade and retrograde MSE procedures, propofol sedation seems sufficient and safe.