TIPS FOR POWERSPIRAL ENTEROSCOPY

Abstract

In 2008, Akerman et al. introduced spiral endoscopy, a small-bowel endoscope based on a concept entirely different from the conventional balloon-assisted endoscopy (BAE). The spiral endoscopy was refined, leading to the development of the PowerSpiral^Ⓡ enteroscopy, an endoscope equipped with motorized fins. These motorized fins allowed the endoscope to advance through the small bowel by pulling it along, providing more efficient access to the deep small bowel compared to traditional BAE. Although clinical use of the PowerSpiral^Ⓡ enteroscopy began overseas in 2019, its adoption in Japan is still in its early stages. Its role and significance in the Japanese medical field are still being evaluated, emphasizing the need for further research and practical application to establish its place in endoscopic procedures.