The Oklahoma experience with Double Balloon Enteroscopy: first one hundred procedures.

Double Balloon Enteroscopy (DBE) is a new technique that allows deep intubation into the small bowel, and has therapeutic capabilities including cauterization, biopsy, and polypectomy, as with standard endoscopes. Its major value is in the diagnosis and treatment of mid-gut bleeding. We report our experience with the first 100 DBE procedures performed in Oklahoma.

Calcium carbonate antacids alter esophageal motility in heartburn sufferers.

Chewed calcium carbonate (CaCO3) rapidly neutralizes esophageal acid and may prevent reflux, suggesting another mechanism of action independent of acid neutralization. Calcium is essential for muscle tone. Our aim was to determine if luminal calcium released from chewed antacids improved esophageal motor function in heartburn sufferers.