Abstract
We have developed a novel technique, which involves inserting an ultrathin endoscope (UTE), assisted only by a Super Stiff guidewire, into the proximal jejunum. By inserting the guidewire into the biopsy channel until it was 20 cm from the distal end of the UTE, we were able to make the UTE stiff enough to avoid it bending in the stomach. Using this technique, we were successful in inserting a UTE into the proximal jejunum of 16 (94%) out of 17 patients when performed under fluoroscopic guidance. The median examination time (until the UTE advanced beyond the duodenojejunal junction) was 290 seconds. Patients did not experience any complications such as heavy nasal bleeding or serious nasal pain. Using a guidewire to keep an inserted UTE rigid may be useful in cases of obscure gastrointestinal lesions prior to performing a double-balloon enteroscopy or capsule endoscopy.
