Effectiveness of Endoscopic Ultrasonography during Double Balloon Enteroscopy for characterization and management of small bowel submucosal tumours

Background Characterization of small bowel submucosal tumours is challenging, requiring additional investigations. Endoscopic Ultrasonography performed during Double Balloon Enteroscopy, appeared a promising technique although it has not been fully evaluated. The aim was to determine the effectiveness of this technique for characterization and management of sub mucosal tumours in a large cohort of patients. Methods Patients with suspected small bowel tumours, who underwent Endoscopic Ultrasonography performed during Double Balloon Enteroscopy in our Institution between 2005 and 2013, were reviewed. Demographic data, clinical, endoscopic and radiological findings, therapeutic management, final diagnosis and follow-up were analyzed. Results 30 patients (19 male; median age 61.5) affected by submucosal tumours were included in the study. Endoscopic Ultrasonography performed during Double Balloon Enteroscopy was successfully performed in all cases providing a correct characterization of 19 submucosal tumours (63%). Based on the ultrasonographic characteristics 8 patients were treated endoscopically, 16 were referred to surgery, and 6 were managed conservatively. Conclusion Our results suggest that Endoscopic Ultrasonography performed during Double Balloon Enteroscopy is a safe and useful technique for submucosal tumours characterization. This procedure may be applied in clinical practice when small bowel tumours are encountered, to confirm the diagnosis and provide the most appropriate management.