Double balloon enteroscopy DBE is a specialized examination that uses an enteroscope placed inside an outer tube. Two small balloons are placed on the tip of the outer tube and the enteroscope. By alternately inflating and deflating the balloons, your gastroenterologist can gather up the small intestine, and almost like gathering a curtain onto a curtain rod, guide the enteroscope deep into the small intestine.

DBE can be performed through the mouth (antegrade DBE) or through the anus (lower DBE) depending on which part of the small intestine needs to be assessed. DBE helps your gastroenterologist evaluate and manage the findings of a capsule endoscopy (please see Capsule Endoscopy section). It can also be used to identify the cause of low iron, and to detect inflammation, ulcers, strictures and tumours of the small intestine. Your gastroenterologist might obtain biopsies (small tissue samples) to diagnose conditions such as benign and cancerous growths or inflammatory bowel disease.