Double balloon endoscopy

Double balloon endoscopy (DBE) is another emerging technology. A special endoscope fitted with a disposable sheath uses two balloons to navigate through the small bowel. The balloons are alternatively inflated and deflated to manoeuvre the scope down the bowel. It is a difficult skill to learn and is time-consuming.

The benefits of DBE over capsule endoscopy are that it has greater diagnostic ability (because you are able to take biopsies) and that you can perform interventions during the procedure e.g. resection of polyps, ablation of vascular abnormalities causing bleeding.