Coordination and nursing care of pediatric patients undergoing double balloon enteroscopy.

Aim: To review safety, efficacy, and proper nursing care of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) in pediatric patients with small intestinal disease.

Methods: Our study included 37 patients with abdominal pain, diarrhea, passage of blood in the stools, and other symptoms, who underwent DBE from December 2006 to July 2010. DBE was retrograde in 36 procedures, antegrade in six, and from both ends in five. The diagnostic significance and salient points in nursing care are discussed in this article.

Results: At least one lesion was discovered in 28 out of 37 patients, which yielded a positive diagnosis in 75.7% of cases. Good bowel preparation and skilled nursing care not only shortened the procedure time, but could also alleviate patient discomfort and enhance the quality of examination. No serious procedure-related complications were observed in any cases.

Conclusion: DBE is a new modality of endoscopic procedure that improves the standard of diagnosis and treatment of small bowel diseases in children. Good nursing care is essential to the successful execution of the procedure.