Expert Double Balloon Enteroscopy in Kolkata | Dr. Kushan Sengupta
Explore Double Balloon Enteroscopy with Dr. Kushan Sengupta in Kolkata. Learn how this 2026 gold-standard procedure diagnoses and treats deep small bowel issues.
For many years, the "mid-gut" or small intestine was a diagnostic challenge for gastroenterologists. Standard endoscopes simply couldn't reach its 20-foot length. In 2026, Double Balloon Enteroscopy (DBE) stands as the definitive solution, allowing us to visualize, biopsy, and treat conditions deep within the small bowel without the need for traditional surgery.
What is Double Balloon Enteroscopy?
DBE is an advanced endoscopic technique that uses a specialized "push-and-pull" system. A thin, flexible tube is equipped with two balloons—one at the end of the scope and one on an outer overtube. By inflating and deflating these balloons in sequence, the small intestine is gently "pleated" over the tube, allowing the doctor to navigate the entire length of the organ.
When is DBE Necessary?
As an interventional specialist, I typically recommend DBE for patients who have already undergone standard tests (like a CT scan or Capsule Endoscopy) that suggest a problem in the small bowel. Key indications include:
Unexplained GI Bleeding: Identifying and cauterizing small vascular malformations (angiodysplasias) that cause chronic anemia.
Complex Crohn’s Disease: Evaluating deep ulcerations or widening narrow "strictures" using balloon dilation.
Polypectomy: Removing polyps or small tumors (like GISTs or neuroendocrine tumors) before they cause blockages.
Post-Surgical Care: Performing ERCP or other treatments in patients with surgically altered anatomy, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
What to Expect During Your Procedure
Preparation: You will follow a fasting protocol (usually 12 hours). Depending on whether we approach via the mouth (antegrade) or the rectum (retrograde), you may need a bowel-cleansing preparation.
Comfort: The procedure is performed under deep sedation or general anesthesia. While it takes longer than a standard endoscopy (typically 1–2 hours), it is generally painless.
Immediate Results: Because DBE allows for real-time intervention, we can often treat the problem—such as stopping a bleed or removing a polyp—during the same session we find it.
Why Expert Experience Matters
Double Balloon Enteroscopy is a technically demanding procedure that requires a high degree of precision. In 2026, we utilize the latest high-definition "short-type" enteroscopes and CO2 insufflation to minimize post-procedure bloating and maximize patient safety.